iraiif' 

,;-..:       ^:w\      $<•;%  ' 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GEORG  EBERS'S  BOOKS. 

ROMANCES. 

Cleopatra.  Translated  from  the  German  by  MARY  J. 
SAFFORD.  2  volumes. 

A  Thorny  Path.  (Per  Aspera.)  Translated  by  CLARA 
BELL.  2  volumes. 

An  Egyptian  Princess.  Translated  by  ELEANOR  GROVE. 
2  volumes. 

Uarda.     Translated  by  CLARA  BELL.     2  volumes. 

Homo  Sum.     Translated  by  CLARA  BELL,     i  volume. 

The  Sisters.     Translated  by  CLARA  BELL,     i  volume. 

A  Question.     Translated  by  MARY  J.  SAFFORD.     i  volume. 

The  Emperor.     Translated  by  CLAEA  BKLL.     2  volumes. 

The  Burgomaster's  Wife.  Translated  by  MARY  J. 
SAFFORD.  i  volume. 

A  Word,  only  a  'Word.  Translated  by  MARY  J.  SAF- 
FORD. i  volume. 

Serapis.     Translated  by  CLARA  BELL,     i  volume. 

The  Bride  of  the  Nile.  Translated  by  CLARA  BELL. 
2  volumes. 

Margery.    (Gred.)   Translated  by  CLARA  BELL.  2  volumes. 
Joshua.     Translated  by  MARY  J.  SAFFORD.     i  volume. 
The    Elixir,    and    Other    Tales.       Translated    by    Mrs. 
EDWARD   H.  BELL.      With  Portrait  of  the  Author,      i 
volume. 

Each  of  the  above,  i6mo.  paper  cover.  40  cents  per  volume ; 
cloth,  75  cents.  Set  of  22  volumes,  cloth,  in  box,  $16.50. 

Also,  72ino  edition  of  the  above  (except  "  A  Question," 
"The  Elixir,"  "Cleopatra,"  and  "A  Thorny  Path"),  in 
8  volumes,  cloth,  $1.00  each. 

OTHER  WORKS. 

The  Story  of  My  Life.  Translated  by  MARY  J.  SAF- 
FORD. With  Portraits.  I2mo.  Cloth, -$1.25. 

Lorenz  Alma  Tadema  :  His  LIFE  AND  WORKS.  Trans- 
lated by  MART  J.  SAFFORD.  i  volume.  i2mo.  Paper, 
40  cents;  cloth,  75  cents. 

Richard  Lepsius  :  A  BIOGRAPHY.  Translated  by  ZOE 
DANA  UNDERBILL,  i  volume.  i2mo.  Paper,  60  cents ; 
cloth,  $1.25. 


JOSHUA 


A    STORY   OF   BIBLICAL    TIMES 


BY 

GEORG     EBERS 

AUTHOR    OF   MARGERY,    ETC. 
TRANSLATED     FROM     THE     GERMAN 

BY  MARY  J.  SAFFORD 


NEW    YORK 

D.    APPLETON    AND    COMPANY 
1894 


COPYRIGHT,   1889, 
BY  WILLIAM   S.   GOTTSBERGER, 


Authorized  Edition, 


College 
Library 

'"FT 


g^bitaleb 

TO  THE  MANES 

OF 

GUSTAV  BAUR 


PREFACE. 


LAST  winter  I  resolved  to  complete  this  book,  and 
while  giving  it  the  form  in  which  it  now  goes  forth  into 
the  world,  I  was  constantly  reminded  of  the  dear  friend 
to  whom  I  intended  to  dedicate  it.  Now  I  am  per- 
mitted to  offer  it  only  to  the  manes  of  Gustav  Baur ; 
for  a  few  months  ago  death  snatched  him  from  us. 

Every  one  who  was  allowed  to  be  on  terms  of 
intimacy  with  this  man  feels  his  departure  from  earth 
as  an  unspeakably  heavy  loss,  not  only  because  his 
sunny,  cheerful  nature  and  brilliant  intellect  brightened 
the  souls  of  his  friends;  not  only  because  he  poured 
generously  from  the  overflowing  cornucopia  of  his 
rich  knowledge  precious  gifts  to  those  with  whom  he 
stood  in  intellectual  relations,  but  above  all  because  of 
the  loving  heart  which  beamed  through  his  clear  eyes, 
and  enabled  him  to  share  the  joys  and  sorrows  of 
others,  and  enter  into  their  thoughts  and  feelings. 

To  my  life's  end  I  shall  not  forget  that  during  the 
last  few  years,  himself  physically  disabled  and  over- 
burdened by  the  duties  imposed  by  the  office  of  pro- 
fessor and  counsellor  of  the  Consistory,  he  so  often 
found  his  way  to  me,  a  still  greater  invalid.  The  hours 
he  then  permitted  me  to  spend  in  animated  conversa- 
tion with  him  are  among  those  which,  according  to  old 
Horace,  whom  he  knew  so  thoroughly  and  loved  so 
well,  must  be  numbered  among  the  '  good  ones '.  I 
have  done  so,  and  whenever  I  gratefully  recall  them, 
in  my  ear  rings  my  friend's  question : 

"  What  of  the  story  of  the  Exodus  ?" 

After  I  had  told  him  that  in  the  midst  of  the  desert, 
while  following  the  traces  of  the  departing  Hebrews, 


II  PREFACE. 

the  idea  had  occurred  to  me  of  treating  their  wander- 
ings in  the  form  of  a  romance,  he  expressed  his  ap- 
proval in  the  eager,  enthusiastic  manner  natural  to 
him.  When  I  finally  entered  farther  into  the  details  of 
the  sketch  outlined  on  the  back  of  a  camel,  he  never 
ceased  to  encourage  me,  though  he  thoroughly  under- 
stood my  scruples  and  fully  appreciated  the  difficulties 
which  attended  the  fulfilment  of  my  task. 

So  in  a  certain  degree  this  book  is  his,  and  the  in- 
ability to  offer  it  to  the  living  man  and  hear  his  acute 
judgment  is  one  of  the  griefs  which  render  it  hard  to 
reconcile  oneself  to  the  advancing  years  which  in  other 
respects  bring  many  a  joy. 

Himself  one  of  the  most  renowned,  acute  and 
learned  students  and  interpreters  of  the  Bible,  he  was 
perfectly  familiar  with  the  critical  works  the  last  five 
years  have  brought  to  light  in  the  domain  of  Old 
Testament  criticism.  He  had  taken  a  firm  stand 
against  the  views  of  the  younger  school,  who  seek  to 
banish  the  Exodus  of  the  Jews  from  the  province 
of  history  and  represent  it  as  a  later  production  of  the 
myth-making  popular  mind ;  a  theory  we  both  believed 
untenable.  One  of  his  remarks  on  this  subject  has 
lingered  in  my  memory  and  ran  nearly  as  follows : 

"  If  the  events  recorded  in  the  Second  Book  of 
Moses  —  which  I  believe  are  true  —  really  never  oc- 
curred, then  nowhere  and  at  no  period  has  a  his- 
torical event  of  equally  momentous  result  taken  place. 
For  thousands  of  years  the  story  of  the  Exodus  has 
lived  in  the  minds  of  numberless  people  as  some- 
thing actual,  and  it  still  retains  its  vitality.  Therefore 
it  belongs  to  history  no  less  certainly  than  the  French 
Revolution  and  its  consequences." 

Notwithstanding  such  encouragement,  for  a  long 
series  of  years  I  lacked  courage  to  finish  the  story  of 
the  Exodus  until  last  winter  an  unexpected  appeal  from 


PREFACE.  Ill 

abroad  induced  me  to  resume  it.  After  this  I  worked 
uninterruptedly  with  fresh  zeal  and  I  may  say  re- 
newed pleasure  at  the  perilous  yet  fascinating  task 
until  its  completion. 

The  locality  of  the  romance,  the  scenery  as  we  say 
of  the  drama,  I  have  copied  as  faithfully  as  possible 
from  the  landscapes  I  beheld  in  Goshen  and  on  the 
Sinai  peninsula.  It  will  agree  with  the  conception  of 
many  of  the  readers  of  "  Joshua." 

The  case  will  be  different  with  those  portions  of  the 
story  which  I  have  interwoven  upon  the  ground  of 
ancient  Egyptian  records.  They  will  surprise  the  lay- 
men ;  for  few  have  probably  asked  themselves  how  the 
events  related  in  the  Bible  from  the  standpoint  of  the 
Jews  affected  the  Egyptians,  and  what  political  con- 
ditions existed  in  the  realm  of  Pharaoh  when  the 
Hebrews  left  it.  I  have  endeavored  to  represent  these 
relations  with  the  utmost  fidelity  to  the  testimony  of  the 
monuments.  For  the  description  of  the  Hebrews, 
which  is  mentioned  in  the  Scriptures,  the  Bible  itself 
offers  the  best  authority.  The  character  of  the 
"  Pharaoh  of  the  Exodus "  I  also  copied  from  the 
Biblical  narrative,  and  the  portraits  of  the  weak  King 
Menephtah,  which  have  been  preserved,  harmonize  ad- 
mirably with  it.  What  we  have  learned  of  later  times 
induced  me  to  weave  into  the  romance  the  conspiracy 
of  Siptah,  the  accession  to  the  throne  of  Seti  II,  and 
the  person  of  the  Syrian  Aarsu  who,  according  to  the 
London  Papyrus  Harris  I.,  after  Siptah  had  become 
king,  seized  the  government. 

The  Naville  excavations  have  fixed  the  location  of 
Pithom-Succoth  beyond  question,  and  have  also  brought 
to  light  the  fortified  store-house  of  Pithom  (Succoth) 
mentioned  in  the  Bible;  and  as  the  scripture  says 
the  Hebrews  rested  in  this  place  and  thence  moved 
farther  on,  it  must  be  supposed  that  they  overpowered 


IV  PREFACE. 

the  garrison  of  the  strong  building  and  seized  the  con- 
tents of  the  spacious  granaries,  which  are  in  existence 
at  the  present  day. 

In  my  "  Egypt  and  the  Books  of  Moses  "  *  which 
appeared  in  1868,  I  stated  that  the  Biblical  Etham  was 
the  same  as  the  Egyptian  Chetam,  that  is,  the  line  of 
fortresses  which  protected  the  isthmus  of  Suez  from  the 
attacks  of  the  nations  of  the  East,  and  my  statement 
has  long  since  found  universal  acceptance.  Through  it, 
the  turning  back  of  the  Hebrews  before  Etham  is  in- 
telligible. 

The  mount  where  the  laws  were  given  I  believe 
was  the  majestic  Serbal,  not  the  Sinai  of  the  monks; 
the  reasons  for  which  I  explained  fully  in  my  work 
"Through  Goshen  to  Sinai."**  I  have  also  —  in  the 
same  volume  —  attempted  to  show  that  the  halting- 
place  of  the  tribes  called  in  the  Bible  "  Dophkah  "  was 
the  deserted  mines  of  the  modern  Wadi  Maghara. 

By  the  aid  of  the  mental  and  external  experiences 
of  the  characters,  whose  acts  have  in  part  been  freely 
guided  by  the  author's  imagination,  he  has  endeavored 
to  bring  nearer  to  the  sympathizing  reader  the  human 
side  of  the  mighty  destiny  of  the  nation  which  it  was 
incumbent  on  him  to  describe.  If  he  has  succeeded  in 
doing  so,  without  belittling  the  magnificent  Biblical 
narrative,  he  has  accomplished  his  desire;  if  he  has 
failed,  he  must  content  himself  with  the  remembrance 
of  the  pleasure  and  mental  exaltation  he  experienced 
during  the  creation  of  this  work. 

Tutzing  on  the  Starnberger  See, 
September  aoth,  1889. 

GEORG  EBERS. 


*  Aegypten  und  die  Biicher  Mose's.     Leipzig,  W.  Engelmann. 

**  Durch  Gosen  zum  Sinai.     Leipzig.     W,  Engelmann.     Zweite 
verbesserte  Auflage,  1882. 


JOSHUA. 


CHAPTER  I. 

"  Go  down,  grandfather  :  I  will  watch." 

But  the  old  man  to  whom  the  entreaty  was  ad- 
dressed shook  his  shaven  head. 

"  Yet  you  can  get  no  rest  here.  ..." 

"  And  the  stars  ?  And  the  tumult  below  ?  Who 
can  think  of  rest  in  hours  like  these  ?  Throw  my  cloak 
around  me  !  Rest  —  on  such  a  night  of  horror  !" 

"  You  are  shivering.  And  how  your  hand  and  the 
instrument  are  shaking." 

"  Then  support  my  arm." 

The  youth  dutifully  obeyed  the  request ;  but  in  a 
short  time  he  exclaimed  :  "  Vain,  all  is  vain  ;  star  after 
star  is  shrouded  by  the  murky  clouds.  Alas,  hear  the 
wailing  from  the  city.  Ah,  it  rises  from  our  own  house 
too.  I  am  so  anxious,  grandfather,  feel  how  my  head 
burns  !  Come  down,  perhaps  they  need  help." 

"  Their  fate  is  in  the  hands  of  the  gods  —  my  place 
is  here. 

"  But  there  —  there  !  Look  northward  across  the 
lake.  No,  farther  to  the  west.  They  are  coming  from 
the  city  of  the  dead." 

"  Oh,  grandfather  !  Father — there!"  cried  the  youth, 


2  JOSHUA. 

a  grandson  of  the  astrologer  of  A mon-Ra,  to  whom  he 
was  lending  his  aid.  They  were  standing  in  the  observa- 
tory of  the  temple  of  this  god  in  Tanis,  the  Pharaoh's 
capital  in  the  north  of  the  land  of  Goshen.  He  moved 
away,  depriving  the  old  man  of  the  support  of  his 
shoulder,  as  he  continued  :  "  There,  there  !  Is  the  sea 
sweeping  over  the  land  ?  Have  the  clouds  dropped  on 
the  earth  to  heave  to  and  fro  ?  Oh,  grandfather,  look 
yonder !  May  the  Immortals  have  pity  on  us  !  The 
under-world  is  yawning,  and  the  giant  serpent  Apep 
has  come  forth  from  the  realm  of  the  dead.  It  is  mov- 
ing past  the  temple.  I  see,  I  hear  it.  The  great 
Hebrew's  menace  is  approaching  fulfilment.  Our  race 
will  be  effaced  from  the  earth.  The  serpent !  Its  head 
is  turned  toward  the  southeast.  It  will  devour  the  sun 
when  it  rises  in  the  morning." 

The  old  man's  eyes  followed  the  youth's  ringer,  and 
he,  too,  perceived  a  huge,  dark  mass,  whose  outlines 
blended  with  the  dusky  night,  come  surging  through 
the  gloom ;  he,  too,  heard,  with  a  thrill  of  terror,  the 
monster's  loud  roar. 

Both  stood  straining  their  eyes  and  ears  to  pierce 
the  darkness ;  but  instead  of  gazing  upward  the  star- 
reader's  eye  was  bent  upon  the  city,  the  distant  sea,  and 
the  level  plain.  Deep  silence,  yet  no  peace  reigned 
above  them  :  the  high  wind  now  piled  the  dark  clouds 
into  shapeless  masses,  anon  severed  the  grey  veil  and 
drove  the  torn  fragments  far  asunder.  The  moon  Avas 
invisible  to  mortal  eyes,  but  the  clouds  were  toying 
with  the  bright  Southern  stars,  sometimes  hiding  them, 
sometimes  affording  a  free  course  for  their  beams. 
Sky  and  earth  alike  showed  a  constant  interchange 
of  pallid  light  and  intense  darkness.  Sometimes  the 


JOSHUA.  3 

sheen  of  the  heavenly  bodies  flashed  brightly  from 
sea  and  bay,  the  smooth  granite  surfaces  of  the  obe- 
lisks in  the  precincts  of  the  temple,  and  the  gilded 
copper  roof  of  the  airy  royal  palace,  anon  sea  and 
river,  the  sails  in  the  harbor,  the  sanctuaries,  the  streets 
of  the  city,  and  the  palm -grown  plain  which  sur- 
rounded it  vanished  in  gloom.  Eye  and  ear  failed 
to  retain  the  impression  of  the  objects  they  sought  to 
discern  ;  for  sometimes  the  silence  was  so  profound 
that  all  life,  far  and  near,  seemed  hushed  and  dead, 
then  a  shrill  shriek  of  anguish  pierced  the  silence  of  the 
night,  followed  at  longer  or  shorter  intervals  by  the 
loud  roar  the  youthful  priest  had  mistaken  for  the  voice 
of  the  serpent  of  the  nether-world,  and  to  which  grand- 
father and  grandson  listened  with  increasing  suspense. 

The  dark  shape,  whose  incessant  motion  could  be 
clearly  perceived  whenever  the  starlight  broke  through 
the  clouds,  appeared  first  near  the  city  of  the  dead  and 
the  strangers'  quarter.  Both  the  youth  and  the  old  man 
had  been  seized  with  terror,  but  the  latter  was  the  first 
to  regain  his  self-control,  and  his  keen  eye,  trained  to 
watch  the  stars,  speedily  discovered  that  it  was  not  a 
single  giant  form  emerging  from  the  city  of  the  dead 
upon  the  plain,  but  a  multitude  of  moving  shapes  that 
seemed  to  be  swaying  hither  and  thither  over  the  mead- 
ow lands.  The  bellowing  and  bleating,  too,  did  not 
proceed  from  one  special  place,  but  came  now  nearer 
and  now  farther  away.  Sometimes  it  seemed  to  issue 
from  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  and  at  others  to  float 
from  some  airy  height. 

Fresh  horror  seized  upon  the  old  man.  Grasping 
his  grandson's  right  hand  in  his,  he  pointed  with  his  left 
to  the  necropolis,  exclaiming  in  tremulous  tones  :  "The 


4  JOSHUA. 

dead  are  too  great  a  multitude.  The  under-world  is 
overflowing,  as  the  river  does  when  its  bed  is  not  wide 
enough  for  the  waters  from  the  south.  How  they 
swarm  and  surge  and  roll  onward  !  How  they  scatter 
and  sway  to  and  fro.  They  are  the  souls  of  the  thous- 
ands whom  grim  death  has  snatched  away,  laden  with 
the  curse  of  the  Hebrew,  unburied,  unshielded  from 
corruption,  to  descend  the  rounds  of  the  ladder  leading 
to  the  eternal  world." 

"Yes,  yes,  those  are  their  wandering  ghosts," 
shrieked  the  youth  in  absolute  faith,  snatching  his  hand 
from  the  grey-beard's  grasp  and  striking  his  burning 
brow,  exclaiming,  almost  incapable  of  speech  in  his  hor- 
ror :  "  Ay,  those  are  the  souls  of  the  damned.  The  wind 
has  swept  them  into  the  sea,  whose  waters  cast  them 
forth  again  upon  the  land,  but  the  sacred  earth  spurns 
them  and  flings  them  into  the  air.  The  pure  ether  of 
Shu  hurls  them  back  to  the  ground  and  now  — 
oh  look,  listen  —  they  are  seeking  the  way  to  the  wil- 
derness." 

"  To  the  fire  !"  cried  the  old  astrologer.  "  Purify 
them,  ye  flames  ;  cleanse  them,  water." 

The  youth  joined  his  grandfather's  form  of  exor- 
cism, and  while  still  chanting  together,  the  trap-door 
leading  to  this  observatory  on  the  top  of  the  highest 
gate  of  the  temple  was  opened,  and  a  priest  of  inferior 
rank  called  :  "  Cease  thy  toil.  Who  cares  to  question 
the  stars  when  the  light  of  life  is  departing  from  all  the 
denizens  of  earth  !" 

The  old  man  listened  silently  till  the  priest,  in  falter- 
ing accents,  added  that  the  astrologer's  wife  had  sent 
him,  then  he  stammered  : 

"  Hora  ?     Has  my  son,  too,  been  stricken  ?" 


JOSHUA.  5 

The  messenger  bent  his  head,  and  the  two  listeners 
wept  bitterly,  for  the  astrologer  had  lost  his  first-born 
son  and  the  youth  a  beloved  father. 

But  as  the  lad,  shivering  with  the  chill  of  fever, 
sank  ill  and  powerless  on  the  old  man's  breast,  ihe  lat- 
ter hastily  released  himself  from  his  embrace  and  hur- 
ried to  the  trap-door.  Though  the  priest  had  announced 
himself  to  be  the  herald  of  death,  a  father's  heart  needs 
more  than  the  mere  words  of  another  ere  resigning  all 
hope  of  the  life  of  his  child. 

Down  the  stone  stairs,  through  the  lofty  halls  and 
wide  courts  of  the  temple  he  hurried,  closely  followed 
by  the  youth,  though  his  trembling  limbs  could  scarcely 
support  his  fevered  body.  The  blow  that  had  fallen  up- 
on his  own  little  circle  had  made  the  old  man  forget 
the  awful  vision  which  perchance  menaced  the  whole 
universe  with  destruction  ;  but  his  grandson  could  not 
banish  the  sight  and,  when  he  had  passed  the  fore-court 
and  was  approaching  the  outermost  pylons  his  imagina- 
tion, under  the  tension  of  anxiety  and  grief,  made  the 
shadows  of  the  obelisks  appear  to  be  dancing,  while 
the  two  stone  statues  of  King  Rameses,  on  the  corner 
pillars  of  the  lofty  gate,  beat  time  with  the  crook  they 
held  in  their  hands. 

Then  the  fever  struck  the  youth  to  the  ground.  His 
face  was  distorted  by  the  convulsions  which  tossed  his 
limbs  to  and  fro,  and  the  old  man,  falling  on  his  knees, 
strove  to  protect  the  beautiful  head,  covered  with  clus- 
tering curls,  from  striking  the  stone  flags,  moaning 
under  his  breath  :  "  Now  fate  has  overtaken  him  too." 

Then  calming  himself,  he  shouted  again  and  again 
for  help,  but  in  vain.  At  last,  as  he  lowered  his  tones 
to  seek  comfort  in  prayer,  he  heard  the  sound  of 


6  JOSHUA. 

voices  in  the  avenue  of  sphinxes  beyond  the  pylons, 
and  fresh  hope  animated  his  heart. 

Who  was  coming  at  so  late  an  hour  ? 

Loud  wails  of  grief  blended  with  the  songs  of  the 
priests,  the  clinking  and  tinkling  of  the  metal  sistrums, 
shaken  by  the  holy  women  in  the  service  of  the  god, 
and  the  measured  tread  of  men  praying  as  they 
marched  in  the  procession  which  was  approaching  the 
temple. 

Faithful  to  the  habits  of  a  long  life,  the  astrologer 
raised  his  eyes  and,  after  a  glance  at  the  double  row  of 
granite  pillars,  the  colossal  statues  and  obelisks  in  the 
fore-court,  fixed  them  on  the  starlit  skies.  Even  amid 
his  grief  a  bitter  smile  hovered  around  his  sunken  lips; 
to-night  the  gods  themselves  were  deprived  of  the 
honors  which  were  their  due. 

For  on  this,  the  first  night  after  the  new  moon  in 
the  month  of  Pharmuthi,  the  sanctuary  in  bygone 
years  was  always  adorned  with  flowers.  As  soon  as 
the  darkness  of  this  moonless  night  passed  away,  the 
high  festival  of  the  spring  equinox  and  the  harvest 
celebration  would  begin. 

A  grand  procession  in  honor  of  the  great  goddess 
Neith,  of  Rennut,  who  bestows  the  blessings  of  the 
fields,  and  of  Horus  at  whose  sign  the  seeds  begin  to 
germinate,  passed,  in  accordance  with  the  rules  pre- 
scribed by  the  Book  of  the  Divine  Birth  of  the  Sun, 
through  the  city  to  the  river  and  harbor;  but  to-day  the 
silence  of  death  reigned  throughout  the  sanctuary, 
whose  courts  at  this  hour  were  usually  thronged  with 
men,  women,  and  children,  bringing  offerings  to  lay  on 
the  very  spot  where  death's  finger  had  now  touched  his 
grandson's  heart. 


JOSHUA.  7 

A  flood  of  light  streamed  into  the  vast  space, 
hitherto  but  dimly  illumined  by  a  few  lamps.  Could 
the  throng  be  so  frenzied  as  to  imagine  that  the  joyous 
festival  might  be  celebrated,  spite  of  the  unspeakable 
horrors  of  the  night. 

Yet,  the  evening  before,  the  council  of  priests  had 
resolved  that,  on  account  of  the  rage  of  the  merciless 
pestilence,  the  temple  should  not  be  adorned  nor  the 
procession  be  marshalled.  In  the  afternoon  many 
whose  houses  had  been  visited  by  the  plague  had 
remained  absent,  and  now  while  he,  the  astrologer,  had 
been  watching  the  course  of  the  stars,  the  pest  had 
made  its  way  into  this  sanctuary,  else  why  had  it 
been  forsaken  by  the  watchers  and  the  other  astrologers 
who  had  entered  with  him  at  sunset,  and  whose  duty  it 
was  to  watch  through  the  night  ? 

He  again  turned  with  tender  solicitude  to  the 
sufferer,  but  instantly  started  to  his  feet,  for  the  gates 
were  flung  wide  open  and  the  light  of  torches  and 
lanterns  streamed  into  the  court.  A  swift  glance  at 
the  sky  told  him  that  it  was  a  little  after  midnight,  yet 
his  fears  seemed  to  have  been  true  —  the  priests  were 
crowding  into  the  temples  to  prepare  for  the  harvest 
festival  to-morrow. 

But  he  was  wrong.  When  had  they  ever  entered 
the  sanctuary  for  this  purpose  in  orderly  procession, 
solemnly  chanting  hymns  ?  Nor  was  the  train  com- 
posed only  of  servants  of  the  deity.  The  population 
had  joined  them,  for  the  shrill  lamentations  of  women 
and  wild  cries  of  despair,  such  as  he  had  never  heard 
before  in  all  his  long  life  within  these  sacred  walls, 
blended  in  the  solemn  litany. 

Or  were  his  senses  playing  him  false  ?      Was  the 


8  JOSHUA. 

groaning  throng  of  restless  spirits  which  his  grandson 
had  pointed  out  to  him  from  the  observatory,  pouring 
into  the  sanctuary  of  the  gods  ? 

New  horror  seized  upon  him;  with  arms  flung 
upward  to  bid  the  specters  avaunt  he  muttered  the 
exorcism  against  the  wiles  of  evil  spirits.  But  he  soon 
let  his  hands  fall  again;  for  among  the  throng  he 
noted  some  of  his  friends  who  yesterday,  at  least,  had 
still  walked  among  living  men.  First,  the  tall  form  of 
the  second  prophet  of  the  god,  then  the  women  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  Amon-Ra,  the  singers  and  the 
holy  fathers  and,  when  he  perceived  behind  the  singers, 
astrologers,  and  pastophori  his  own  brother-in-law, 
whose  house  had  yesterday  been  spared  by  the  plague, 
he  summoned  fresh  courage  and  spoke  to  him.  But 
his  voice  was  smothered  by  the  shouts  of  the  advancing 
multitude. 

The  courtyard  was  now  lighted,  but  each  indi- 
vidual was  so  engrossed  by  his  own  sorrows  that  no 
one  noticed  the  old  astrologer.  Tearing  the  cloak 
from  his  shivering  limbs  to  make  a  pillow  for  the 
lad's  tossing  head,  he  heard,  while  tending  him  with 
fatherly  affection,  fierce  imprecations  on  the  Hebrews 
who  had  brought  this  woe  on  Pharaoh  and  his  people, 
mingling  with  the  chants  and  shouts  of  the  approach- 
ing crowd  and,  recurring  again  and  again,  the  name  of 
Prince  Rameses,  the  heir  to  the  throne,  while  the  tone 
in  which  it  was  uttered,  the  formulas  of  lamentation 
associated  with  it,  announced  the  tidings  that  the  eyes 
of  the  monarch's  first-born  son -were  closed  in  death. 

The  astrologer  gazed  at  his  grandson's  wan  features 
with  increasing  anxiety,  and  even  while  the  wailing  for 
the  prince  rose  louder  and  louder  a  slight  touch  of 


JOSHUA.  9 

gratification  stirred  his  soul  at  the  thought  of  the  im- 
partial justice  Death  metes  out  alike  to  the  sovereign 
on  his  throne  and  the  beggar  by  the  roadside.  He 
now  realized  what  had  brought  the  noisy  multitude  to 
the  temple  ! 

With  as  much  swiftness  as  his  aged  limbs  would 
permit,  he  hastened  forward  to  meet  the  mourners ;  but 
ere  he  reached  them  he  saw  the  gate-keeper  and  his 
wife  come  out  of  their  house,  carrying  between  them 
on  a  mat  the  dead  body  of  a  boy.  The  husband  held 
one  end,  his  fragile  little  wife  the  other,  and  the 
gigantic  warder  was  forced  to  stoop  low  to  keep  the 
rigid  form  in  a  horizontal  position  and  not  let  it  slip 
toward  the  woman.  Three  children,  preceded  by  a 
little  girl  carrying  a  lantern,  closed  the  mournful  pro- 
cession. 

Perhaps  no  one  would  have  noticed  the  group,  had 
not  the  gate-keeper's  little  wife  shrieked  so  wildly  and 
piteously  that  no  one  could  help  hearing  her  lamenta- 
tions. The  second  prophet  of  Amon,  and  then  his 
companions,  turned  toward  them.  The  procession 
halted,  and  as  some  of  the  priests  approached  the 
corpse  the  gate-keeper  shouted  loudly :  "  Away,  away 
from  the  plague !  It  has  stricken  our  first-born  son." 

The  wife  meantime  had  snatched  the  lantern  from 
her  little  girl's  hand  and  casting  its  light  full  on  the 
dead  boy's  rigid  face,  she  screamed  : 

"  The  god  hath  suffered  it  to  happen.  Ay,  he  per- 
mitted the  horror  to  enter  beneath  his  own  roof.  Not 
his  will,  but  the  curse  of  the  stranger  rules  us  and  our 
lives.  Look,  this  was  our  first-born  son,  and  the 
plague  has  also  stricken  two  of  the  temple-servants. 
One  already  lies  dead  in  our  room,  and  there  lies 


10  JOSHUA. 

Kamus,  grandson  of  the  astrologer  Rameri.  We  heard 
the  old  man  call,  and  saw  what  was  happening;  but 
who  can  prop  another's  house  when  his  own  is  falling  ? 
Take  heed  while  there  is  time ;  for  the  gods  have 
opened  their  own  sanctuaries  to  the  horror.  If  the 
whole  world  crumbles  into  ruin,  I  shall  neither  marvel 
nor  grieve.  My  lord  priests,  I  am  only  a  poor  lowly 
woman,  but  am  I  not  right  when  I  ask:  Do  our  gods 
sleep,  or  has  some  ban  paralyzed  them,  or  what  are 
they  doing  that  they  leave  us  and  our  children  in  the 
power  of  the  base  Hebrew  brood  ?" 

"Overthrow  them!  Down  with  the  foreigners! 
Death  to  the  sorcerer  Mesu,*  hurl  him  into  the  sea." 
Such  were  the  imprecations  that  followed  the  woman's 
curse,  as  an  echo  follows  a  shout,  and  the  aged  as- 
trologer's brother-in-law  Hornecht,  captain  of  the 
archers,  whose  hot  blood  seethed  in  his  veins  at  the 
sight  of  the  dying  form  of  his  beloved  nephew,  waved 
his  short  sword,  crying  frantically :  "  Let  all  men  who 
have  hearts  follow  me.  Upon  them !  A  life  for  a 
life !  Ten  Hebrews  for  each  Egyptian  whom  the 
sorcerer  has  slain !" 

As  a  flock  rushes  into  a  fire  when  the  ram  leads  the 
way,  the  warrior's  summons  fired  the  throng.  Women 
forced  themselves  in  front  of  the  men,  pressing  after 
him  into  the  gateway,  and  when  the  servants  of  the 
temple  lingered  to  await  the  verdict  of  the  prophet  of 
Amon,  the  latter  drew  his  stately  figure  to  its  full 
height,  and  said  calmly :  "  Let  all  who  wear  priestly 
garments  remain  and  pray  with  me.  The  populace  is 
heaven's  instrument  to  mete  out  vengeance.  We  will 
remain  here  to  pray  for  their  success." 

*  Mesu  is  the  Egyptian  name  of  the  law-giver  Moses. 


JOSHUA.  II 


CHAPTER    II. 

BAI,  the  second  prophet  of  Amon,*  who  acted  as 
the  representative  of  the  aged  and  feeble  chief-prophet 
and  high-priest  Rui,  went  into  the  holy  of  holies,  the 
throng  of  inferior  servants  of  the  divinity  pursued 
their  various  duties,  and  the  frenzied  mob  rushed 
through  the  streets  of  the  city  towards  the  distant 
Hebrew  quarter. 

As  the  flood,  pouring  into  the  valley,  sweeps  every- 
thing before  it,  the  people,  rushing  to  seek  vengeance, 
forced  every  one  they  met  to  join  them.  No  Egyptian 
from  whom  death  had  snatched  a  loved  one  failed  to 
follow  the  swelling  torrent,  which  increased  till  hun- 
dreds became  thousands.  Men,  women,  and  children, 
freedmen  and  slaves,  winged  by  the  ardent  longing  to 
bring  death  and  destruction  on  the  hated  Hebrews, 
darted  to  the  remote  quarter  where  they  dwelt. 

How  the  workman  had  grasped  a  hatchet,  the 
housewife  an  axe,  they  themselves  scarcely  knew.  They 
were  dashing  fonvard  to  deal  death  and  ruin  and  had 
had  no  occasion  to  search  for  weapons  —  they  had 
been  close  at  hand. 

The  first  to  feel  the  weight  of  their  vengeance  must 
be  Nun,  an  aged  Hebrew,  rich  in  herds,  loved  and 
esteemed  by  many  an  Egyptian  whom  he  had  bene- 

*  The  real  Egyptian  name  was  Amun  or  Ammun  (Herod,  ii.  42; 
Plut.  de  Is.  et  Os.  9) ;  the  Greeks  called  him  Zeus  Ammon,  the  Rom- 
ans Jupiter  Ammon,  and  the  Hebrews  Amon.  (Jerem.  xlvi.  25.) — 
Smith's  Dicty.  Gk.  &>  Rom.  Biog.  &  Myth. 


12  JOSHUA. 

fited  —  but  when  hate  and  revenge  speak,  gratitude 
shrinks  timidly  into  the  background. 

His  property,  like  the  houses  and  hovels  of  his 
people,  was  in  the  strangers'  quarter,  west  of  Tanis, 
and  lay  nearest  to  the  streets  inhabited  by  the  Egypt- 
ians themselves. 

Usually  at  this  hour  herds  of  cattle  and  flocks  of 
sheep  were  being  watered  or  driven  to  pasture  and  the 
great  yard  before  his  house  was  filled  with  cattle, 
servants  of  both  sexes,  carts,  and  agricultural  imple- 
ments. The  owner  usually  overlooked  the  departure  of 
the  flocks  and  herds,  and  the  mob  had  marked  him  and 
his  family  for  the  first  victims  of  their  fury. 

The  swiftest  of  the  avengers  had  now  reached  his 
extensive  farm-buildings,  among  them  Hornecht,  cap- 
tain of  the  archers,  brofher-in-law  of  the  old  astrologer. 
House  and  barns  were  brightly  illumined  by  the  first 
light  of  the  young  day.  A  stalwart  smith  kicked 
violently  on  the  stout  door;  but  the  unbolted  sides 
yielded  so  easily  that  he  was  forced  to  cling  to  the 
door-post  to  save  himself  from  falling.  Others,  Hor- 
necht among  them,  pressed  past  him  into  the  yard. 

What  did  this  mean  ? 

Had  some  new  spell  been  displayed  to  attest  the 
power  of  the  Hebrew  leader  Mesu, — who  had  brought 
such  terrible  plagues  on  the  land, —  and  of  his  God. 

The  yard  was  absolutely  empty.  The  stalls  con- 
tained a  few  dead  cattle  and  sheep,  killed  because  they 
had  been  crippled  in  some  way,  while  a  lame  lamb 
limped  off  at  sight  of  the  mob.  The  carts  and  wagons, 
too,  had  vanished.  The  lowing,  bleating  throng  which 
the  priests  had  imagined  to  be  the  souls  of  the  damned 
was  the  Hebrew  host,  departing  by  night  from  their  old 


JOSHUA.  13 

home   with   all   their    flocks   under   the   guidance   of 
Moses. 

The  captain  of  the  archers  dropped  his  sword,  and 
a  spectator  might  have  believed  that  the  sight  was  a 
pleasant  surprise  to  him ;  but  his  neighbor,  a  clerk 
from  the  king's  treasure-house,  gazed  around  the  empty 
space  with  the  disappointed  air  of  a  man  who  has 
been  defrauded. 

The  flood  of  schemes  and  passions,  which  had 
surged  so  high  during  the  night,  ebbed  under  the  clear 
light  of  day.  Even  the  soldier's  quickly  awakened 
wrath  had  long  since  subsided  into  composure.  The 
populace  might  have  wreaked  their  utmost  fury  on  the 
other  Hebrews,  but  not  upon  Nun,  whose  son,  Hosea, 
had  been  his  comrade  in  arms,  one  of  the  most  distin- 
guished leaders  in  the  army,  and  an  intimate  family 
friend.  Had  he  thought  of  him  and  foreseen  that  his 
father's  dwelling  would  be  first  attacked,  he  would 
never  have  headed  the  mob  in  their  pursuit  of  ven- 
geance ;  nay,  he  bitterly  repented  having  forgotten  the 
deliberate  judgment  which  befitted  his  years. 

While  many  of  the  throng  began  to  plunder  and 
destroy  Nun's  deserted  home,  men  and  women  came 
to  report  that  not  a  soul  was  to  be  found  in  any  of  the 
neighboring  dwellings.  Others  told  of  cats  cowering 
on  the  deserted  hearthstones,  of  slaughtered  cattle  and 
shattered  furniture  ;  but  at  last  the  furious  avengers 
dragged  out  a  Hebrew  with  his  family  and  a  half- 
witted grey-haired  woman  found  hidden  among  some 
straw.  The  crone,  amid  imbecile  laughter,  said  her 
people  had  made  themselves  hoarse  calling  her,  but 
Mehela  was  too  wise  to  walk  on  and  on  as  they  meant 


14  JOSHUA. 

to  do ;  besides  her  feet  were  too  tender,  and  she  had 
not  even  a  pair  of  shoes. 

The  man,  a  frightfully  ugly  Jew,  whom  few  of 
his  own  race  would  have  pitied,  protested,  sometimes 
with  a  humility  akin  to  fawning,  sometimes  with 
the  insolence  which  was  a  trait  of  his  character,  that 
he  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  god  of  lies  in  whose 
name  the  seducer  Moses  had  led  away  his  people  to 
ruin ;  he  himself,  his  wife,  and  his  child  had  always 
been  on  friendly  terms  with  the  Egyptians.  Indeed, 
many  knew  him,  he  was  a  money-lender  and  when 
the  rest  of  his  nation  had  set  forth  on  their  pilgrimage, 
he  had  concealed  himself,  hoping  to  pursue  his  dis- 
honest calling  and  sustain  no  loss. 

Some  of  his  debtors,  however,  were  among  the 
infuriated  populace,  though  even  without  their  presence 
he  was  a  doomed  man  ;  for  he  was  the  first  person  on 
Avhom  the  excited  mob  could  show  that  they  were 
resolved  upon  revenge.  Rushing  upon  him  with  savage 
yells,  the  lifeless  bodies  of  the  luckless  wretch  and  his 
family  were  soon  strewn  over  the  ground.  Nobody 
knew  who  had  done  this  first  bloody  deed ;  too  many 
had  dashed  forward  at  once. 

Not  a  few  others  who  had  remained  in  the  houses 
and  huts  also  fell  victims  to  the  people's  thirst  for  ven- 
geance, though  many  had  time  to  escape,  and  while 
streams  of  blood  were  flowing,  axes  were  wielded,  and 
walls  and  doors  were  battered  down  with  beams  and 
posts  to  efface  the  abodes  of  the  detested  race  from  the 
earth. 

The  burning  embers  brought  by  some  frantic  women 
were  extinguished  and  trampled  out ;  the  more  prudent 
warned  them  of  the  peril  that  would  menace  their  own 


JOSHUA.  15 

homes  and  the  whole  city  of  Tanis,  if  the  strangers' 
quarter  should  be  fired. 

So  the  Hebrews'  dwellings  escaped  the  flames  ;  but 
as  the  sun  mounted  higher  dense  clouds  of  white  dust 
shrouded  the  abodes  they  had  forsaken,  and  where, 
only  yesterday,  thousands  of  people  had  possessed 
happy  homes  and  numerous  herds  had  quenched  their 
thirst  in  fresh  waters,  the  glowing  soil  was  covered  with 
rubbish  and  stone,  shattered  beams,  and  broken  wood- 
work. Dogs  and  cats  left  behind  by  their  owners  wan- 
dered among  the  ruins  and  were  joined  by  women  and 
children  who  lived  in  the  beggars'  hovels  on  the  edge 
of  the  necropolis  close  by,  and  now,  holding  their 
hands  over  their  mouths,  searched  amid  the  stifling 
dust  and  rubbish  for  any  household  utensil  or  food 
which  might  have  been  left  by  the  fugitives  and  over- 
looked by  the  mob. 

During  the  afternoon  Bai,  the  second  prophet  of 
Amon,  was  carried  past  the  ruined  quarter.  He  did 
not  come  to  gloat  over  the  spectacle  of  destruction,  it 
was  his  nearest  way  from  the  necropolis  to  his  home. 
Yet  a  satisfied  smile  hovered  around  his  stern  mouth  as 
he  noticed  how  thoroughly  the  people  had  performed 
their  work.  His  own  purpose,  it  is  true,  had  not 
been  fulfilled,  the  leader  of  the  fugitives  had  escaped 
their  vengeance,  but  hate,  though  never  sated,  can  yet 
be  gratified.  Even  the  smallest  pangs  of  an  enemy  are 
a  satisfaction,  and  the  priest  had  just  come  from  the 
grieving  Pharaoh.  He  had  not  succeeded  in  releasing 
him  entirely  from  the  bonds  of  the  Hebrew  magician, 
but  he  had  loosened  them. 

The  resolute,  ambitious  man,  by  no  means  wont  to 
hold  converse  with  himself,  had  repeated  over  and  over 


1 6  JOSHUA. 

again,  while  sitting  alone  in  the  sanctuary  reflecting  on 
what  had  occurred  and  what  yet  remained  to  be  done, 
these  little  words,  and  the  words  were  :  "  Bless  me 
too !" 

Pharaoh  had  uttered  them,  and  the  entreaty  had 
been  addressed  neither  to  old  Rui,  the  chief  priest,  nor 
to  himself,  the  only  persons  who  could  possess  the 
privilege  of  blessing  the  monarch,  nay  —  but  to  the 
most  atrocious  wretch  that  breathed,  to  the  foreigner 
the  Hebrew,  Mesu,  whom  he  hated  more  than  any 
other  man  on  earth. 

"  Bless  me  too !"  The  pious  entreaty,  which  wells 
so  trustingly  from  the  human  heart  in  the  hour  of 
anguish,  had  pierced  his  soul  like  a  dagger.  It  had 
seemed  as  if  such  a  petition,  uttered  by  the  royal  lips 
to  such  a  man,  had  broken  the  crozier  in  the  hand  of 
the  whole  body  of  Egyptian  priests,  stripped  the 
panther-skin  from  their  shoulders,  and  branded  with 
shame  the  whole  people  whom  he  loved. 

He  knew  full  well  that  Moses  was  one  of  the  wisest 
sages  who  had  ever  graduated  from  the  Egyptian 
schools,  knew  that  Pharaoh  was  completely  under  the 
thrall  of  this  man  who  had  grown  up  in  the  royal 
household  and  been  a  friend  of  his  father  Rameses  the 
Great.  He  had  seen  the  monarch  pardon  deeds  com- 
mitted by  Moses  which  would  have  cost  the  life  of  any 
other  mortal,  though  he  were  the  highest  noble  in  the 
land  —  and  what  must  the  Hebrew  be  to  Pharaoh,  the 
sun-god  incarnate  on  the  throne  of  the  world,  when 
standing  by  the  death-bed  of  his  own  son,  he  could 
yield  to  the  impulse  to  uplift  his  hands  to  him  and  cry  : 

"  Bless  me  too  !" 

He  had  told  himself  all  these  things,  maturely  con- 


JOSHUA.  17 

sidered  them,  yet  he  would  not  yield  to  the  might  of 
the  strangers.  The  destruction  of  this  man  and  all  his 
race  was  in  his  eyes  the  holiest,  most  urgent  duty  —  to 
accomplish  which  he  would  not  shrink  even  from 
assailing  the  throne.  Nay,  in  his  eyes  Pharaoh  Men- 
ephtah's  shameful  entreaty  :  "  Bless  me  too !"  had  de- 
prived him  of  all  the  rights  of  sovereignty. 

Moses  had  murdered  Pharaoh's  first-born  son,  but 
he  and  the  aged  chief-priest  of  Amon  held  the  weal  or 
woe  of  the  dead  prince's  soul  in  their  hands,  —  a 
weapon  sharp  and  strong,  for  he  knew  the  monarch's 
weak  and  vacillating  heart.  If  the  high-priest  of 
Amon  —  the  only  man  whose  authority  surpassed  his 
own  —  did  not  thwart  him  by  some  of  the  unaccount- 
able whims  of  age,  it  would  be  the  merest  trifle  to  force 
Pharaoh  to  yield;  but  any  concession  made  to-day 
would  be  withdrawn  to-morrow,  should  the  Hebrew 
succeed  in  coming  between  the  irresolute  monarch  and 
his  Egyptian  advisers.  This  very  day  the  unworthy 
son  of  the  great  Rameses  had  covered  his  face  and 
trembled  like  a  timid  fawn  at  the  bare  mention  of  the 
sorcerer's  name,  and  to-morrow  he  might  curse  him 
and  pronounce  a  death  sentence  upon  him.  Perhaps 
he  might  be  induced  to  do  this,  and  on  the  following 
one  he  would  recall  him  and  again  sue  tor  his  bless- 
ing. 

Down  with  such  monarchs !  Let  the  feeble  reed 
on  the  throne  be  hurled  into  the  dust !  Already  he 
had  chosen  a  successor  from  among  the  princes  of  the 
blood,  and  when  the  time  was  ripe  —  when  Rui,  the 
high-priest  of  Amon,  had  passed  the  limits  of  life 
decreed  by  the  gods  to  mortals  and  closed  his  eyes  in 
death,  he,  Bai,  would  occupy  his  place,  a  new  life 


1 8  JOSHUA. 

would  commence  for  Egypt,  and  Moses  and  his  race 
would  perish. 

While  the  prophet  was  absorbed  in  these  reflections 
a  pair  of  ravens  fluttered  around  his  head  and,  croaking 
loudly,  alighted  on  the  dusty  ruins  of  one  of  the  shat- 
tered houses.  He  involuntarily  glanced  around  him 
and  noted  that  they  had  perched  on  the  corpse  of  a 
murdered  Hebrew,  lying  half  concealed  amid  the  rub- 
bish. A  smile  which  the  priests  of  lower  rank  who  sur- 
rounded his  litter  knew  not  how  to  interpret,  flitted 
over  his  shrewd,  defiant  countenance. 


CHAPTER    III. 

HORNECHT,  commander  of  the  archers,  was  among 
the  prophet's  companions.  Indeed  they  were  on  terms 
of  intimacy,  for  the  soldier  was  a  leader  amid  the 
nobles  who  had  conspired  to  dethrone  Pharaoh. 

As  they  approached  Nun's  ruined  dwelling,  the 
prophet  pointed  to  the  wreck  and  said  :  "The  former 
owner  of  this  abode  is  the  only  Hebrew  I  would  gladly 
spare.  He  was  a  man  of  genuine  worth,  and  his  son, 
Hosea " 

"  Will  be  one  of  us,"  the  captain  interrupted. 
"  There  are  few  better  men  in  Pharaoh's  army,  and," 
he  added,  lowering  his  voice,  "  I  rely  on  him  when  the 
decisive  hour  comes." 

"We  will  discuss  that  before  fewer  witnesses," 
replied  Ba'i.  "  But  I  am  greatly  indebted  to  him.  Dur- 
ing the  Libyan  war  —  you  are  aware  of  the  fact —  I  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  Hosea,  at  the  head 


JOSHUA.  19 

of  his  little  troop,  rescued  me  from  the  savage  hordes." 
Sinking  his  tones,  he  went  on  in  his  most  instructive 
manner,  as  though  apologizing  for  the  mischief  wrought: 
"  Such  is  the  course  of  earthly  affairs !  Where  a  whole 
body  of  men  merit  punishment,  the  innocent  must  suffer 
with  the  guilty.  Under  such  circumstances  the  gods 
themselves  cannot  separate  the  individual  from  the 
multitude  ;  nay,  even  the  innocent  animals  share  the 
penalty.  Look  at  the  flocks  of  doves  fluttering  around 
the  ruins;  they  are  seeking  their  cotes  in  vain.  And 
the  cat  with  her  kittens  yonder.  Go  and  take  them, 
Beki ;  it  is  our  duty  to  save  the  sacred  animals  from 
starving  to  death." 

And  this  man,  who  had  just  been  planning  the  de- 
struction of  so  many  of  his  fellow-mortals,  was  so 
warmly  interested  in  kindly  caring  for  the  senseless 
beasts,  that  he  stopped  his  litter  and  watched  his 
servants  catch  the  cats. 

This  was  less  quickly  accomplished  than  he  had 
hoped ;  for  one  had  taken  refuge  in  the  nearest  cellar, 
whose  opening  was  too  narrow  for  the  men  to  follow. 
The  youngest,  a  slender  Nubian,  undertook  the  task; 
but  he  had  scarcely  approached  the  hole  when  he 
started  back,  calling :  "  There  is  a  human  being  there 
who  seems  to  be  alive.  Yes,  he  is  raising  his  hand. 
It  is  a  boy  or  a  youth,  and  assuredly  no  slave;  his 
head  is  covered  with  long  waving  locks,  and  —  a  sun- 
beam is  shining  into  the  cellar — 1  can  see  a  broad 
gold  circlet  on  his  arm." 

"Perhaps  it  is  one  of  Nun's  kindred,  who  has  been 
forgotten,"  said  Hornecht,  and  Bai  eagerly  added  : 

"It  is  an  interposition  from  the  gods!  Their 
sacred  animals  have  pointed  out  the  way  by  which  I 


20  JOSHUA. 

can. render  a  service  to  the  man  to  whom  I  am  so 
much  indebted.  Try  to  get  in,  Beki,  and  bring  the 
youth  out." 

Meanwhile  the  Nubian  had  removed  the  stone 
whose  fall  had  choked  the  opening,  and  soon  after  he 
lifted  toward  his  companions  a  motionless  young  form 
which  they  brought  into  the  open  air  and  bore  to  a 
well  whose  cool  water  speedily  restored  conscious- 
ness. 

As  he  regained  his  senses,  he  rubbed  his  eyes, 
gazed  around  him  bewildered,  as  if  uncertain  where 
he  was,  then  his  head  drooped  as  though  overwhelmed 
with  grief  and  horror,  revealing  that  the  locks  at  the 
back  were  matted  together  with  black  clots  of  dried 
blood. 

The  prophet  had  the  deep  wound,  inflicted  on  the 
lad  by  a  falling  stone,  washed  at  the  well  and,  after  it 
had  been  bandaged,  summoned  him  to  his  own  litter, 
which  was  protected  from  the  sun. 

The  young  Hebrew,  bringing  a  message,  had  arrived 
at  the  house  of  his  grandfather  Nun,  before  sunrise, 
after  a  long  night  walk  from  Pithom,  called  by  the 
Hebrews  Succoth,  but  finding  it  deserted  had  lain 
down  in  one  of  the  rooms  to  rest  a  while.  Roused  by 
the  shouts  of  the  infuriated  mob,  he  had  heard  the 
curses  on  his  race  which  rang  through  the  whole 
quarter  and  fled  to  the  cellar.  The  roof,  which  had 
injured  him  in  its  fall,  proved  his  deliverance;  for  the 
clouds  of  dust  which  had  concealed  everything  as  it 
came  down  hid  him  from  the  sight  of  the  rioters.. 

The  prophet  looked  at  him  intently  and,  though 
the  youth  was  unwashed,  wan,  and  disfigured  by  the 
bloody  bandage  round  his  head,  he  saw  that  the  lad  he 


JOSHUA.  21 

had  recalled  to  life  was  a  handsome,  well-grown  boy 
just  nearing  manhood. 

His  sympathy  was  roused,  and  his  stern  glance  soft- 
ened as  he  asked  kindly  whence  he  came  and  what  had 
brought  him  to  Tanis ;  for  the  rescued  youth's  features 
gave  no  clue  to  his  race.  He  might  readily  have  de- 
clared himself  an  Egyptian,  but  he  frankly  admitted  that 
he  was  a  grandson  of  Nun.  He  had  just  attained  his 
eighteenth  year,  his  name  was  Ephraim,  like  that  of  his 
forefather,  the  son  of  Joseph,  and  he  had  come  to  visit 
his  grandfather.  The  words  expressed  steadfast  self- 
respect  and  pride  in  his  illustrious  ancestry. 

He  delayed  a  short  time  ere  answering  the  question 
whether  he  brought  a  message ;  but  soon  collected  his 
thoughts  and,  looking  the  prophet  fearlessly  in  the  face, 
replied  : 

"  Whoever  you  may  be,  I  have  been  taught  to 
speak  the  truth,  so  I  will  tell  you  that  I  have  another 
relative  in  Tanis,  Hosea,  the  son  of  Nun,  a  chief  in 
Pharaoh's  army,  for  whom  I  have  a  message." 

"  And  I  will  tell  you,"  the  priest  replied,  "  that  it 
was  for  the  sake  of  this  very  Hosea  I  tarried  here  and 
ordered  my  servants  to  bring  you  out  of  the  ruined 
house.  I  owe  him  a  debt  of  gratitude,  and  though 
most  of  your  nation  have  committed  deeds  worthy  of 
the  harshest  punishment,  for  the  sake  of  his  worth  you 
shall  remain  among  us  free  and  unharmed." 

The  boy  raised  his  eyes  to  the  priest  with  a  proud, 
fiery  glance,  but  ere  he  could  find  words,  Bai  went  on 
with  encouraging  kindness. 

"  I  believe  I  can  read  in  your  face,  my  lad,  that 
you  have  come  to  seek  admittance  to  Pharaoh's  army 
under  your  uncle  Hosea.  Your  figure  is  well-suited  to 

3 


22  JOSHUA. 

the  trade  of  war,  and  you  surely  are  not  wanting  in 
courage." 

A  smile  of  flattered  vanity  rested  on  Ephraim's  lips, 
and  toying  with  the  broad  gold  bracelet  on  his  arm, 
perhaps  unconsciously,  he  replied  with  eagerness : 

"  Ay,  my  lord,  I  have  often  proved  my  courage  in 
the  hunting  field;  but  at  home  we  have  plenty  of 
sheep  and  cattle,  which  even  now  I  call  my  own,  and 
it  seems  to  me  a  more  enviable  lot  to  wander  freely 
and  rule  the  shepherds  than  to  obey  the  commands  of 
others." 

"Aha!"  said  the  priest.  "Perhaps  Hosea  may 
instil  different  and  better  views.  To  rule  —  a  lofty  am- 
bition for  youth.  The  misfortune  is  that  we  who  have 
attained  it  are  but  servants  whose  burdens  grow  heavier 
with  the  increasing  number  of  those  who  obey  us. 
You  understand  me,  Hornecht,  and  you,  my  lad,  will 
comprehend  my  meaning  later,  when  you  become  the 
palm-tree  the  promise  of  your  youth  foretells.  But  we 
are  losing  time.  Who  sent  you  to  Hosea  ?" 

The  youth  cast  down  his  eyes  irresolutely,  but  when 
the  prophet  broke  the  silence  with  the  query :  "  And 
what  has  become  of  the  frankness  you  were  taught  ?" 
he  responded  promptly  and  resolutely  : 

"  I  came  for  the  sake  of  a  woman  whom  you  know 
not." 

"  A  woman  ?"  the  prophet  repeated,  casting  an  en- 
quiring glance  at  Hornecht.  "  When  a  bold  warrior 
and  a  fair  woman  seek  each  other,  the  Hathors*  are 
apt  to  appear  and  use  the  binding  cords ;  but  it  does 


*  The  Egyptian   goddesses  of  love,  who  are  frequently  repre- 
sented with  cords  in  their  hands, 


JOSHUA.  23 

not  befit  a  servant  of  the  divinity  to  witness  such  goings- 
on,  so  I  forbear  farther  questioning.  Take  charge  of 
the  lad,  captain,  and  aid  him  to  deliver  his  message  to 
Hosea.  The  only  doubt  is  whether  he  is  in  the  city." 

"  No,"  the  soldier  answered,  "  but  he  is  expected 
with  thousands  of  his  men  at  the  armory  to-day." 

"  Then  may  the  Hathors,  who  are  partial  to  love 
messengers,  bring  these  two  together  to-morrow  at 
latest,"  said  the  priest. 

But  the  lad  indignantly  retorted :  "  I  am  the  bearer 
of  no  love  message." 

The  prophet,  pleased  with  the  bold  rejoinder,  an- 
swered pleasantly  :  "  I  had  forgotten  that  I  was  accost- 
ing a  young  shepherd-prince."  Then  he  added  in  graver 
tones :  "  When  you  have  found  Hosea,  greet  him  from 
me  and  tell  him  that  Bai,  the  second  prophet  of  Amon, 
sought  to  discharge  a  part  of  the  debt  of  gratitude  he 
owed  for  his  release  from  the  hands  of  the  Libyans  by 
extending  his  protection  to  you,  his  nephew.  Perhaps, 
my  brave  boy,  you  do  not  know  that  you  have  es- 
caped as  if  by  a  miracle  a  double  peril ;  the  savage 
populace  would  no  more  have  spared  your  life  than 
would  the.  stifling  dust  of  the  falling  houses.  Remember 
this,  and  tell  Hosea  also  from  me,  Bai,  that  I  am  sure 
when  he  beholds  the  woe  wrought  by  the  magic  arts  of 
one  of  your  race  on  the  house  of  Pharaoh,  to  which  he 
vowed  fealty,  and  with  it  on  this  city  and  the  whole 
country,  he  will  tear  himself  with  abhorrence  from  his 
kindred.  They  have  fled  like  cowards,  after  dealing 
the  sorest  blows,  robbing  of  their  dearest  possessions 
those  among  whom  they  dwelt  in  peace,  whose  protec- 
tion they  enjoyed,  and  who  for  long  years  have  given 
them  work  and  ample  food.  All  this  they  have  done 


24  JOSHUA. 

and,  if  I  know  him  aright,  he  will  turn  his  back  upon 
men  who  have  committed  such  crimes.  Tell  him  also 
that  this  has  been  voluntarily  done  by  the  Hebrew 
officers  and  men  under  the  command  of  the  Syrian 
Aarsu.  This  very  morning — Hosea  will  have  heard 
the  news  from  other  sources  —  they  offered  sacrifices 
not  only  to  Baal  and  Seth,  their  own  gods,  whom  so 
many  of  you  were  ready  to  serve  ere  the  accursed 
sorcerer,  Mesu,  seduced  you,  but  also  to  Father  Amon 
and  the  sacred  nine  of  our  eternal  deities.  If  he  will 
do  the  same,  we  will  rise  hand  in  hand  to  the  highest 
place,  of  that  he  may  be  sure  —  and  well  he  merits  it. 
The  obligation  still  due  him  I  shall  gratefully  discharge 
in  other  ways,  which  must  for  the  present  remain  secret. 
But  you  may  tell  your  uncle  now  from  me  that  I  shall 
find  means  to  protect  Nun,  his  noble  father,  when  the 
vengeance  of  the  gods  and  of  Pharaoh  falls  upon  the 
rest  of  your  race.  Already — tell  him  this  also  —  the 
sword  is  whetted,  and  a  pitiless  judgment  is  impending. 
Bid  him  ask  himself  what  fugitive  shepherds  can  do 
against  the  power  of  the  army  among  whose  ablest 
leaders  he  is  numbered.  Is  your  father  still  alive,  my 
son  ?" 

"  No,  he  was  borne  to  his  last  resting-place  long 
ago,"  replied  the  youth  in  a  faltering  voice. 

Was  the  fever  of  his  wound  attacking  him  ?  Or 
did  the  shame  of  belonging  to  a  race  capable  of  acts  so 
base  overwhelm  the  young  heart?  Or  did  the  lad 
cling  to  his  kindred,  and  was  it  wrath  and  resentment 
at  hearing  them  so  bitterly  reviled  which  made  his 
color  vary  from  red  to  pale  and  roused  such  a  tumult 
in  his  soul  that  he  was  scarcely  capable  of  speech  ? 
No  matter !  This  lad  was  certainly  no  suitable  bearer 


JOSHUA.  25 

of  the  message  the  prophet  desired  to  send  to  his  uncle, 
and  Bai  beckoned  to  Hornecht  to  come  with  him 
under  the  shadow  of  a  broad-limbed  sycamore-tree. 

The  point  was  to  secure  Hosea's  services  in  the 
army  at  any  cost,  so  he  laid  his  hand  on  his  friend's 
shoulder,  saying: 

"  You  know  that  it  was  my  wife  who  won  you  and 
others  over  to  our  cause.  She  serves  us  better  and 
more  eagerly  than  many  a  man,  and  while  I  appreciate 
your  daughter's  beauty,  she  never  tires  of  lauding 
the  winning  charm  of  her  innocence." 

"  And  Kasana  is  to  take  part  in  the  plot  ?"  cried  the 
soldier  angrily. 

"  Not  as  an  active  worker,  like  my  wife, —  certainly 
not." 

"  She  would  be  ill-suited  to  such  a  task,"  replied  the 
other  in  a  calmer  tone,  "  she  is  scarcely  more  than  a 
child." 

"  Yet  through  her  aid  we  might  bring  to  our  cause 
a  man  whose  good-will  seems  to  me  priceless." 

"You  mean  Hosea?"  asked  the  captain,  his  brow 
darkening  again,  but  the  prophet  added  : 

"  And  if  I  do  ?  Is  he  still  a  real  Hebrew  ?  Can 
you  deem  it  unworthy  the  daughter  of  a  distinguished 
warrior  to  bestow  her  hand  on  a  man  who,  if  our  plans 
prosper,  will  be  commander-in-chief  of  all  the  troops  in 
the  land  ?" 

"  No,  my  lord  !"  cried  Hornecht.  "  But  one  of  my 
motives  for  rebelling  against  Pharaoh  and  upholding 
Siptah  is  that  the  king's  mother  was  a  foreigner,  while 
our  own  blood  courses  through  Siptah's  veins.  The 
mother  decides  the  race  to  which  a  man  belongs,  and 


26  JOSHUA. 

Hosea's  mother  was  a  Hebrew  woman.  He  is  my 
friend,  I  value  his  talents ;  Kasana  likes  him.  .  .  ." 

"  Yet  you  desire  a  more  distinguished  son-in-law  ?'' 
interrupted  his  companion.  "  How  is  our  arduous 
enterprise  to  prosper,  if  those  who  are  to  peril  their 
lives  for  its  success  consider  the  first  sacrifice  too 
great  ?  You  say  that  your  daughter  favors  Hosea  ?" 

"  Yes,  she  did  care  for  him,"  the  soldier  answered ; 
"yes,  he  was  her  heart's  desire.  But  I  compelled 
her  to  obey  me,  and  now  that  she  is  a  widow,  am  I  to 
give  her  to  the  man  whom  —  the  gods  alone  know 
with  how  much  difficulty  —  I  forced  her  to  resign  ? 
When  was  such  an  act  heard  of  in  Egypt  ?" 

"  Ever  since  the  men  and  women  who  dwell  by  the 
Nile  have  submitted,  for  the  sake  of  a  great  cause,  to 
demands  opposed  to  their  wishes,"  replied  the  priest. 
"  Consider  all  this,  and  remember  that  Hosea's  ances- 
tress—  he  boasted  of  it  in  your  own  presence  —  was 
an  Egyptian,  the  daughter  of  a  man  of  my  own  class." 

"  How  many  generations  have  passed  to  the  tomb 
since?" 

"  No  matter !  It  brings  us  into  closer  relations  with 
him.  That  must  suffice.  Farewell  until  this  evening. 
Meanwhile,  will  you  extend  your  hospitality  to  Hosea's 
nephew  and  commend  him  to  your  fair  daughter's 
nursing;  he  seems  in  sore  need  of  .care." 


JOSHUA.  27 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  house  of  Hornecht,  like  nearly  every  other 
dwelling  in  the  city,  was  the  scene  of  the  deepest 
mourning.  The  men  had  shaved  their  hair,  and  the 
women  had  put  dust  on  their  foreheads.  The  archer's 
wife  had  died  long  before,  but  his  daughter  and  her 
women  received  him  with  waving  veils  and  loud  lamen- 
tations ;  for  the  astrologer,  his  brother-in-law,  had  lost 
both  his  first-born  son  and  his  grandson,  and  the  plague 
had  snatched  its  victims  from  the  homes  of  many  a 
friend. 

But  the  senseless  youth  soon  demanded  all  the  care 
the  women  could  bestow,  and  after  bathing  him  and 
binding  a  healing  ointment  on  the  dangerous  wound  in 
in  his  head,  strong  wine  and  food  were  placed  before 
him,  after  which,  refreshed  and  strengthened,  he  obeyed 
the  summons  of  the  daughter  of  his  host. 

The  dust-covered,  worn-out  fellow  was  transformed 
into  a  handsome  youth.  His  perfumed  hair  fell  in  long 
curling  locks  from  beneath  the  fresh  white  bandage, 
and  gold-bordered  Egyptian  robes  from  the  wardrobe 
of  Kasana's  dead  husband  covered  his  pliant  bronzed 
limbs.  He  seemed  pleased  with  the  finery  of  his  gar- 
ments, which  exhaled  a  subtle  odor  of  spikenard  new 
to  his  senses ;  for  the  eyes  in  his  handsome  face 
sparkled  brilliantly. 

It  was  many  a  day  since  the  captain's  daughter, 
herself  a  woman  of  unusual  beauty  and  charm,  had 
seen  a  handsomer  youth.  Within  the  year  she  had 


28  JOSHUA. 

married  a  man  she  did  not  love  Kasana  had  returned  a 
widow  to  her  father's  house,  which  lacked  a  mistress, 
and  the  great  wealth  bequeathed  to  her,  at  her  hus- 
band's death,  made  it  possible  for  her  to  bring  into  the 
soldier's  unpretending  home  the  luxury  and  ease  which 
to  her  had  now  become  a  second  nature. 

Her  father,  a  stern  man  prone  to  sudden  fits  of 
passion,  now  yielded  absolutely  to  her  will.  Formerly 
he  had  pitilessly  enforced  his  own,  compelling  the  girl 
of  fifteen  to  wed  a  man  many  years  her  senior.  This 
had  been  done  because  he  perceived  that  Kasana  had 
given  her  young  heart  to  Hosea,  the  soldier,  and  he 
deemed  it  beneath  his  dignity  to  receive  the  Hebrew, 
who  at  that  time  held  no  prominent  position  in  the 
army,  as  his  son-in-law.  An  Egyptian  girl  had  no 
choice  save  to  accept  the  husband  chosen  by  her  father 
and  Kasana  submitted,  though  she  shed  so  many  bit- 
ter tears  that  the  archer  rejoiced  when,  in  obedience  to 
his  will,  she  had  wedded  an  unloved  husband. 

But  even  as  a  widow  Kasana's  heart  clung  to  the 
Hebrew.  When  the  army  was  in  the  field  her  anxiety 
was  ceaseless  ;  day  and  night  were  spent  in  restlessness 
and  watching.  When  news  came  from  the  troops 
she  asked  only  about  Hosea,  and  her  father  with  deep 
annoyance  attributed  to  her  love  for  the  Hebrew 
her  rejection  of  suitor  after  suitor.  As  a  widow  she 
had  a  right  to  the  bestowal  of  her  own  hand,  and  the 
tender,  gentle-natured  woman  astonished  Hornecht  by 
the  resolute  decision  displayed,  not  alone  to  him  and 
lovers  of  her  own  rank,  but  to  Prince  Siptah,  whose 
cause  the  captain  had  espoused  as  his  own. 

To-day  Kasana  expressed  her  delight  at  the  He- 
brew's return  with  such  entire  frankness  and  absence  of 


JOSHUA.  29 

reserve  that  the  quick-tempered  man  rushed  out  of  the 
house  lest  he  might  be  tempted  into  some  thoughtless 
act  or  word.  His  young  guest  was  left  to  the  care  of 
his  daughter  and  her  nurse. 

How  deeply  the  lad's  sensitive  nature  was  impressed 
by  the  airy  rooms,  the  open  verandas  supported  by 
many  pillars,  the  brilliant  hues  of  the  painting,  the  artis- 
tic household  utensils,  the  soft  cushions,  and  the  sweet 
perfume  everywhere  !  All  these  things  were  novel  and 
strange  to  the  son  of  a  herdsman  who  had  always  lived 
within  the  grey  walls  of  a  spacious,  but  absolutely  plain 
abode,  and  spent  months  together  in  canvas  tents 
among  shepherds  and  flocks,  nay  was  more  accustomed 
to  be  in  the  open  air  than  under  any  shelter  !  He  felt 
as  though  some  wizard  had  borne  him  into  a  higher 
and  more  beautiful  world,  where  he  was  entirely  at 
home  in  his  magnificent  garb,  with  his  perfumed  curls 
and  limbs  fresh  from  the  bath.  True,  the  whole  earth 
was  fair,  even  out  in  the  pastures  among  the  flocks  or 
round  the  fire  in  front  of  the  tent  in  the  cool  of  the 
evening,  when  the  shepherds  sang,  the  hunters  told 
tales  of  daring  exploits,  and  the  stars  sparkled  brightly 
overhead. 

But  all  these  pleasures  were  preceded  by  weary, 
hateful  labor ;  here  it  was  a  delight  merely  to  see  and 
to  breathe  and,  when  the  curtains  parted  and  the  young 
widow,  giving  him  a  friendly  greeting,  made  him  sit  down 
opposite  to  her,  sometimes  questioning  him  and  some- 
times listening  with  earnest  sympathy  to  his  replies,  he 
almost  imagined  his  senses  had  failed  him  as  they  had 
done  under  the  ruins  of  the  fallen  house,  and  he  was 
enjoying  the  sweetest  of  dreams.  The  feeling  that 
threatened  to  stifle  him  and  frequently  interrupted  the 


30  JOSHUA. 

flow  of  words  was  the  rapture  bestowed  upon  him  by 
great  Aschera,  the  companion  of  Baal,  of  whom  the 
Phoenician  traders  who  supplied  the  shepherds  with 
many  good  things  had  told  him  such  marvels,  and 
whom  the  stern  Miriam  forbade  him  ever  to  name  at 
home. 

His  family  had  instilled  into  his  young  heart  hatred 
of  the  Egyptians  as  the  oppressors  of  his  race,  but 
could  they  be  so  wicked,  could  he  detest  a  people 
among  whom  were  creatures  like  this  lovely,  gentle 
woman,  who  gazed  into  his  eyes  so  softly,  so  tenderly, 
whose  voice  fell  on  his  ear  like  harmonious  music,  and 
whose  glance  made  his  blood  course  so  swiftly  that  he 
could  scarce  endure  it  and  pressed  his  hand  upon  his 
heart  to  quiet  its  wild  pulsation. 

Kasana  sat  opposite  to  him  on  a  seat  covered  with  a 
panther-skin,  drawing  the  fine  wool  from  the  distaff. 
He  had  pleased  her  and  she  had  received  him  kindly 
because  he  was  related  to  the  man  whom  she  had 
loved  from  childhood.  She  imagined  that  she  could 
trace  a  resemblance  between  him  and  Hosea,  though 
the  youth  lacked  the  grave  earnestness  of  the  man  to 
whom  she  had  yielded  her  young  heart,  she  knew  not 
why  nor  when,  though  he  had  never  sought  her  love. 

A  lotos  blossom  rested  among  her  dark  waving 
curls,  and  its  stem  fell  in  a  graceful  curve  on  her  bent 
neck,  round  which  clustered  a  mass  of  soft  locks. 
When  she  lifted  her  eyes  to  his,  he  felt  as  though  two 
springs  had  opened  to  pour  floods  of  bliss  into  his 
young  breast,  and  he  had  already  clasped  in  greeting 
the  dainty  hand  which  held  the  yarn. 

She  now  questioned  him  about  Hosea  and  the 
woman  who  had  sent  the  message,  whether  she  was 


JOSHUA.  31 

young  and  fair  and  whether  any  tie  of  love  bound  her 
to  his  uncle. 

Ephraim  laughed  merrily.  She  who  had  sent  him 
was  so  grave  and  earnest  that  the  bare  thought  of  her 
being  capable  of  any  tender  emotion  wakened  his  mirth. 
As  to  her  beauty,  he  had  never  asked  himself  the  ques- 
tion. 

The  young  widow  interpreted  the  laugh  as  the 
reply  she  most  desired  and,  much  relieved,  laid  aside 
the  spindle  and  invited  Ephraim  to  go  into  the  garden. 

How  fragrant  and  full  of  bloom  it  was,  how  well- 
kept  were  the  beds,  the  paths,  the  arbors,  and  the 
pond. 

His  unpretending  home  adjoined  a  dreary  yard, 
wholly  unadorned  and  filled  with  pens  for  sheep  and 
cattle.  Yet  he  knew  that  at  some  future  day  he  would 
be  owner  of  great  possessions,  for  he  was  the  sole  child 
and  heir  of  a  wealthy  father  and  his  mother  was  the 
daughter  of  the  rich  Nun.  The  men  servants  had  told 
him  this  more  than  once,  and  it  angered  him  to  see 
that  his  own  home  was  scarcely  better  than  Hornecht's 
slave-quarters,  to  which  Kasana  had  called  his  attention. 

During  their  stroll  through  the  garden  Ephraim 
was  asked  to  help  her  cull  the  flowers  and,  when  the 
basket  he  carried  was  filled,  she  invited  him  to  sit  with 
her  in  a  bower  and  aid  her  to  twine  the  wreaths. 
These  were  intended  for  the  dear  departed.  Her 
uncle  and  a  beloved  cousin  —  who  bore  some  resem- 
blance to  Ephraim  —  had  been  snatched  away  the 
night  before  by  the  plague  which  his  people  had 
brought  upon  Tanis. 

From  the  street  which  adjoined  the  garden-wall 
they  heard  the  wails  of  women  lamenting  the  dead  or 


32  JOSHUA. 

bearing  a  corpse  to  the  tomb.  Once,  when  the  cries  of 
woe  rose  more  loudly  and  clearly  than  ever,  Kasana 
gently  reproached  him  for  all  that  the  people  of  Tanis 
had  suffered  through  the  Hebrews,  and  asked  if  he 
could  deny  that  the  Egyptians  had  good  reason  to 
hate  a  race  which  had  brought  such  anguish  upon 
them. 

It  was  hard  for  Ephraim  to  find  a  fitting  answer ; 
he  had  been  told  that  the  God  of  his  race  had  pun- 
ished the  Egyptians  to  rescue  his  own  people  from 
shame  and  bondage,  and  he  could  neither  condemn 
nor  scorn  the  men  of  his  own  blood.  So  he  kept 
silence  that  he  might  neither  speak  falsely  nor  blas- 
pheme ;  but  Kasana  allowed  him  no  peace,  and  he  at 
last  replied  that  aught  which  caused  her  sorrow  was 
grief  to  him,  but  his  people  had  no  power  over  life  and 
health,  and  when  a  Hebrew  was  ill,  he  often  sent  for 
an  Egyptian  physician.  What  had  occurred  was  doubt- 
less the  will  of  the  great  God  of  his  fathers,  whose  power 
far  surpassed  the  might  of  any  other  deity.  He  himself 
was  a  Hebrew,  yet  she  would  surely  believe  his  assu- 
rance that  he  was  guiltless  of  the  plague  and  would 
gladly  recall  her  uncle  and  cousin  to  life,  had  he  the 
power  to  do  so.  For  her  sake  he  would  undertake  the 
most  difficult  enterprise. 

She  smiled  kindly  and  replied  : 

"  My  poor  boy  !  If  I  see  any  guilt  in  you,  it  is 
only  that  you  are  one  of  a  race  which  knows  no  ruth, 
no  patience.  Our  beloved,  hapless  dead!  They  must 
even  lose  the  lamentations  of  their  kindred;  for  the 
house  where  they  rest  is  plague-stricken  and  no  one  is 
permitted  to  enter." 

She  silently  wiped  her  eyes  and  went  on  arranging 


JOSHUA.  33 

her  garlands,  but  tear  after  tear  coursed  down  her 
cheeks. 

Ephraim  knew  not  what  to  say,  and  mutely  handed 
her  the  leaves  and  blossoms.  Whenever  his  hand 
touched  hers  a  thrill  ran  through  his  veins.  His  head 
and  the  wound  began  to  ache,  and  he  sometimes  felt  a 
slight  chill.  He  knew  that  the  fever  was  increasing,  as 
it  had  done  once  before  when  he  nearly  lost  his  life  in 
the  red  disease;  but  he  was  ashamed  to  own  it  and 
battled  bravely  against  his  pain. 

When  the  sun  was  nearing  the  horizon  Hornecht 
entered  the  garden.  He  had  already  seen  Hosea,  and 
though  heartily  glad  to  greet  his  old  friend  once  more, 
it  had  vexed  him  that  the  soldier's  first  enquiry  was  for 
his  daughter.  He  did  not  withhold  this  from  the 
young  widow,  but  his  flashing  eyes  betrayed  the  dis- 
pleasure with  which  he  delivered  the  Hebrew's  mes- 
sage. Then,  turning  to  Ephraim,  he  told  him  that 
Hosea  and  his  men  would  encamp  outside  of  the  city, 
pitching  their  tents,  on  account  of  the  pestilence, 
between  Tanis  and  the  sea.  They  would  soon  march 
by.  His  uncle  sent  Ephraim  word  that  he  must  seek 
him  in  his  tent. 

When  he  noticed  that  the  youth  was  aiding  his 
daughter  to  weave  the  garlands,  he  smiled,  and  said : 

"  Only  this  morning  this  young  fellow  declared  his 
intention  of  remaining  free  and  a  ruler  all  his  life. 
Now  he  has  taken  service  with  you,  Kasana.  You 
need  not  blush,  young  friend.  If  either  your  mis- 
tress or  your  uncle  can  persuade  you  to  join  us  and 
embrace  the  noblest  trade  —  that  of  the  soldier  —  so 
much  the  better  for  you.  Look  at  me !  I've  wielded 
the  bow  more  than  forty  years  and  still  rejoice  in  my 


34  JOSHUA. 

profession.  I  must  obey,  it  is  true,  but  it  is  also  my 
privilege  to  command,  and  the  thousands  who  obey 
me  are  not  sheep  and  cattle,  but  brave  men.  Consider 
the  matter  again.  He  would  make  a  splendid  leader 
of  the  archers.  What  say  you,  Kasana  ?" 

"  Certainly,"  replied  the  young  widow.  And  she 
was  about  to  say  more,  but  the  regular  tramp  of  ap- 
proaching troops  was  heard  on  the  other  side  of  the 
garden-wall.  A  slight  flush  crimsoned  Kasana's  cheeks, 
her  eyes  sparkled  with  a  light  that  startled  Ephraim 
and,  regardless  of  her  father  or  her  guest,  she  darted 
past  the  pond,  across  paths  and  flower-beds,  to  a  grassy 
bank  beside  the  wall,  whence  she  gazed  eagerly  toward 
the  road  and  the  armed  host  which  soon  marched  by. 

Hosea,  in  full  armor,  headed  his  men.  As  he 
passed  Hornecht's  garden  he  turned  his  grave  head, 
and  seeing  Kasana  lowered  his  battle-axe  in  friendly 
salutation. 

Ephraim  had  followed  the  captain  of  the  archers, 
who  pointed  out  the  youth's  uncle,  saying :  "  Shining 
armor  would  become  you  also,  and  when  drums 
are  beating,  pipes  squeaking  shrilly,  and  banners 
waving,  a  man  marches  as  lightly  as  if  he  had  wings. 
To-day  the  martial  music  is  hushed  by  the  terrible  woe 
brought  upon  us  by  that  Hebrew  villain.  True, 
Hosea  is  one  of  his  race  yet,  though  I  cannot  forget 
that  fact,  I  must  admit  that  he  is  a  genuine  soldier,  a 
model  for  the  rising  generation.  Tell  him  what  I 
think  of  him  on  this  score.  Now  bid  farewell  to 
Kasana  quickly  and  follow  the  men;  the  little  side- 
door  in  the  wall  is  open."  He  turned  towards  the 
house  as  he  spoke,  and  Ephraim  held  out  his  hand  to 
bid  the  young  widow  farewell. 


JOSHUA.  35 

She  clasped  it,  but  hurriedly  withdrew  her  own, 
exclaiming  anxiously :  "  How  burning  hot  your  hand 
is !  You  have  a  fever !" 

"  No,  no,"  faltered  the  youth,  but  even  while  speak- 
ing he  fell  upon  his  knees  and  the  veil  of  unconscious- 
ness descended  upon  the  sufferer's  soul,  which  had  been 
the  prey  of  so  many  conflicting  emotions. 

Kasana  was  alarmed,  but  speedily  regained  her 
composure  and  began  to  cool  his  brow  and  head  by 
bathing  them  with  water  from  the  neighboring  pond. 
Yes,  in  his  boyhood  the  man  she  loved  must  have  re- 
sembled this  youth.  Her  heart  throbbed  more  quickly 
and,  while  supporting  his  head  in  her  hands,  she  gently 
kissed  him. 

She  supposed  him  to  be  unconscious,  but  the  re- 
freshing water  had  already  dispelled  the  brief  swoon, 
and  he  felt  the  caress  with  a  thrill  of  rapture.  But  he 
kept  his  eyes  closed,  and  would  gladly  have  lain  for  a 
life-time  with  his  head  pillowed  on  her  breast  in  the 
hope  -that  her  lips  might  once  more  meet  his.  But 
instead  of  kissing  him  a  second  time  she  called  loudly 
for  aid.  He  raised  himself,  gave  one  wild,  ardent  look 
into  her  face  and,  ere  she  could  stay  him,  rushed  like  a 
strong  man  to  the  garden  gate,  flung  it  open,  and  fol- 
lowed the  troops.  He  soon  overtook  the  rear  ranks, 
passed  on  in  advance  of  the  others,  and  at  last  reached 
their  leader's  side  and,  calling  his  uncle  by  name,  gave 
his  own.  Hosea,  in  his  joy  and  astonishment,  held 
out  his  arms,  but  ere  Ephraim  could  fall  upon  his 
breast,  he  again  lost  consciousness,  and  stalwart  soldiers 
bore  the  senseless  lad  into  the  tent  the  quartermaster 
had  already  pitched  on  a  dune  by  the  sea. 


36  JOSHUA. 


CHAPTER  V. 

IT  was  midnight.  A  fire  was  blazing  in  front  of 
Hosea's  tent,  and  he  sat  alone  before  it,  gazing  mourn- 
fully now  into  the  flames  and  anon  over  the  distant 
country.  Inside  the  canvas  walls  Ephraim  was  lying 
on  his  uncle's  camp-bed. 

The  surgeon  who  attended  the  soldiers  had  ban- 
daged the  youth's  wounds,  given  him  an  invigorating 
cordial,  and  commanded  him  to  keep  still ;  for  the 
violence  with  which  the  fever  had  attacked  the  lad 
alarmed  him. 

But  in  spite  of  the  leech's  prescription  Ephraim 
continued  restless.  Sometimes  Kasana's  image  rose 
before  his  eyes,  increasing  the  fever  of  his  over-heated 
blood,  sometimes  he  recalled  the  counsel  to  become  a 
warrior  like  his  uncle.  The  advice  seemed  wise — at 
least  he  tried  to  persuade  himself  that  it  was  —  because 
it  promised  honor  and  fame,  but  in  reality  he  wished  to 
follow  it  because  it  would  bring  her  for  whom  his  soul 
yearned  nearer  to  him. 

Then  his  pride  rose  as  he  remembered  the  insults 
which  she  and  her  father  had  heaped  on  those  to  whom 
by  every  tie  of  blood  and  affection,  he  belonged.  His 
hand  clenched  as  he  thought  of  the  ruined  home  of  his 
grandfather,  whom  he  had  ever  regarded  one  of  the 
noblest  of  men.  Nor  was  his  message  forgotten.  Miriam 
had  repeated  it  again  and  again,  and  his  clear  memory 
retained  every  syllable,  for  he  had  unweariedly  iterated 
it  to  himself  during  his  solitary  walk  to  Tanis.  He  was 


JOSHUA.  37 

striving  to  do  the  same  thing  now  but,  ere  he  could 
finish,  his  mind  always  reverted  to  thoughts  of  Kasana. 

The  leech  had  told  Hosea  to  forbid  the  sufferer  to 
talk  and,  when  the  youth  attempted  to  deliver  his  mes- 
sage, the  uncle  ordered  him  to  keep  silence.  Then  the 
soldier  arranged  his  pillow  with  a  mother's  tenderness, 
gave  him  his  medicine,  and  kissed  him  on  the  forehead. 
At  last  he  took  his  seat  by  the  fire  before  the  tent  and 
only  rose  to  give  Ephraim  a  drink  when  he  saw  by  the 
stars  that  an  hour  had  passed. 

The  flames  illumined  Hosea's  bronzed  features,  re- 
vealing the  countenance  of  a  man  who  had  confronted 
many  a  peril  and  vanquished  all  by  steadfast  persever- 
ance and  wise  consideration.  His  black  eyes  had  an 
imperious  look,  and  his  full,  firmly-compressed  lips 
suggested  a  quick  temper  and,  still  more,  the  iron 
will  of  a  resolute  man.  His  broad-shouldered  form 
leaned  against  some  lances  thrust  crosswise  into  the 
earth,  and  when  he  passed  his  strong  hand  through 
his  thick  black  locks  or  smoothed  his  dark  beard,  and 
his  eyes  sparkled  with  ire,  it  was  evident  that  his  soul 
was  stirred  by  conflicting  emotions  and  that  he  stood 
on  the  threshold  of  a  great  resolve.  The  lion  was  rest- 
ing, but  when  he  starts  up,  let  his  foes  beware  ! 

His  soldiers  had  often  compared  their  fearless,  reso- 
lute leader,  with  his  luxuriant  hair,  to  the  king  of  beasts, 
and  as  he  now  shook  his  fist,  while  the  muscles  of  his 
bronzed  arm  swelled  as  though  they  would  burst  the 
gold  armlet  that  encircled  them,  and  his  eyes  flashed 
fire,  his  awe-inspiring  mien  did  not  invite  approach. 

Westward,  the  direction  toward  which  his  eyes  were 
turned,  lay  the  necropolis  and  the  ruined  strangers' 
quarter.  But  a  few  hours  ago  he  had  led  his  troops 


38  JOSHUA. 

through  the  ruins  around  which  the  ravens  were  circl- 
ing and  past  his  father's  devastated  home. 

Silently,  as  duty  required,  he  inarched  on.  Not 
until  he  halted  to  seek  quarters  for  the  soldiers  did  he 
hear  from  Hornecht,  the  captain  of  the  archers,  what 
had  happened  during  the  night.  He  listened  silently, 
without  the  quiver  of  an  eye-lash,  or  a  word  of  question- 
ing, until  his  men  had  pitched  their  tents.  He  had  but 
just  gone  to  rest  when  a  Hebrew  maiden,  spite  of 
the  menaces  of  the  guard,  made  her  way  in  to  implore 
him,  in  the  name  of  Eliab,  one  of  the  oldest  slaves  of  his 
family,  to  go  with  her  to  the  old  man,  her  grandfather. 
The  latter,  whose  weakness  prevented  journeying,  had 
been  left  behind,  and  directly  after  the  departure  of  the 
Hebrews  he  and  his  wife  had  been  carried  on  an  ass  to 
the  little  hut  near  the  harbor,  which  generous  Nun,  his 
master,  had  bestowed  on  the  faithful  slave. 

The  grand-daughter  had  been  left  to  care  for  the 
feeble  pair,  and  now  the  old  servant's  heart  yearned  for 
one  more  sight  of  his  lord's  first-born  son  whom,  when 
a  child,  he  had  carried  in  his  arms.  He  had  charged 
the  girl  to  tell  Hosea  that  Nun  had  promised  his  people 
that  his  son  would  abandon  the  Egyptians  and  cleave 
to  his  own  race.  The  tribe  of  Ephraim,  nay  the  whole 
Hebrew  nation  had  hailed  these  tidings  with  the  utmost 
joy.  Eliab  would  give  him  fuller  details  ;  she  herself  had 
been  well  nigh  dazed  with  weeping  and  anxiety.  He 
would  earn  the  richest  blessings  if  he  would  only 
follow  her. 

The  soldier  realized  at  once  that  he  must  fulfil  this 
desire,  but  he  was  obliged  to  defer  his  visit  to  the  old 
slave  until  the  next  morning.  The  messenger,  however, 


JOSHUA.  39 

even  in  her  haste,  had  told  him  many  incidents  she  had 
seen  herself  or  heard  from  others. 

At  last  she  left  him.  He  rekindled  the  fire  and,  so 
long  as  the  flames  burned  brightly,  his  gaze  was  bent 
with  a  gloomy,  thoughtful  expression  upon  the  west. 
Not  till  they  had  devoured  the  fuel  and  merely  flickered 
with  a  faint  bluish  light  around  the  charred  embers  did 
he  fix  his  eyes  on  the  whirling  sparks.  And  the  longer 
he  did  so,  the  deeper,  the  more  unconquerable  became 
the  conflict  in  his  soul,  whose  every  energy,  but  yester- 
day, had  been  bent  upon  a  single  glorious  goal. 

The  war  against  the  Libyan  rebels  had  detained 
him  eighteen  months  from  his  home,  and  he  had  seen 
ten  crescent  moons  grow  full  since  any  news  had 
reached  him  of  his  kindred.  A  few  weeks  before  he 
had  been  ordered  to  return,  and  when  to-day  he  ap- 
proached nearer  and  nearer  to  the  obelisks  towering 
above  Tanis,  the  city  of  Rameses,  his  heart  had  pulsed 
with  as  much  joy  and  hopefulness  as  if  the  man  of 
thirty  were  once  more  a  boy. 

Within  a  few  short  hours  he  should  again  see  his 
beloved,  noble  father,  who  had  needed  great  delibera- 
tion and  much  persuation  from  Hosea's  mother  —  long 
since  dead  —  ere  he  would  permit  his  son  to  follow  the 
bent  of  his  inclinations  and  enter  upon  a  military  life 
in  Pharaoh's  army.  He  had  anticipated  that  very  day 
surprising  him  with  the  news  that  he  had  been  pro- 
moted above  men  many  years  his  seniors  and  of 
Egyptian  lineage.  Instead  of  the  slights  Nun  had 
dreaded,  Hosea's  gallant  bearing,  courage  and,  as  he 
modestly  added,  good-fortune  had  gained  him  pro- 
motion, yet  he  had  remained  a  Hebrew.  When 


40  JOSHUA. 

he  felt  the  necessity  of  offering  to  some  god  sacrifices 
and  prayer,  he  had  bowed  before  Seth,  to  whose  temple 
Nun  had  led  him  when  a  child,  and  whom  in  those  days 
all  the  people  in  Goshen  in  whose  veins  flowed  Semitic 
blood  had  worshipped.  But  he  also  owed  allegiance  to 
another  god,  not  the  God  of  his  fathers,  but  the  deity 
revered  by  all  the  Egyptians  who  had  been  initi- 
ated. He  remained  unknown  to  the  masses,  who 
could  not  have  understood  him;  yet  he  was  adored 
not  only  by  the  adepts  but  by  the  majority  of  those 
who  had  obtained  high  positions  in  civil  or  military 
life — whether  they  were  servants  of  the  divinity  or  not 
—  and  Hosea,  the  initiated  and  the  stranger,  knew  him 
also.  Everybody  understood  when  allusion  was  made 
to  "  the  God,"  the  "  Sum  of  All,"  the  "  Creator  of  Him- 
self," and  the  "  Great  One."  Hymns  extolled  him,  in- 
scriptions on  the  monuments,  which  all  could  read, 
spoke  of  him,  the  one  God,  who  manifested  himself  to 
the  world,  pervaded  the  universe,  and  existed  through- 
out creation  not  alone  as  the  vital  spark  animates  the 
human  organism,  but  as  himself  the  sum  of  creation, 
the  world  with  its  perpetual  growth,  decay,  and  renewal, 
obeying  the  laws  he  had  himself  ordained.  His  spirit, 
existing  in  every  form  of  nature,  dwelt  also  in  man, 
and  wherever  a  mortal  gazed  he  could  discern  the 
rule  of  the  "  One."  Nothing  could  be  imagined  with- 
out him,  therefore  he  was  one  like  the  God  of  Israel. 
Nothing  could  be  created  nor  happen  on  earth  apart 
from  him,  therefore,  like  Jehovah,  he  was  omnipotent. 
Hosea  had  long  regarded  both  as  alike  in  spirit, 
varying  only  in  name.  Whoever  adored  one  was 
a  servant  of  the  other,  so  the  warrior  could  have  en- 
tered his  father's  presence  with  a  clear  conscience,  and 


JOSHUA.  41 

told  him  that  although  in  the  service  of  the  king  he 
had  remained  loyal  to  the  God  of  his  nation. 

Another  thought  had  made  his  heart  pulse  faster 
and  more  joyously  as  he  saw  in  the  distance  the  py- 
lons and  obelisks  of  Tanis ;  for  on  countless  marches 
through  the  silent  wilderness  and  in  many  a  lonely  camp 
he  had  beheld  in  imagination  a  virgin  of  his  own  race, 
whom  he  had  known  as  a  singular  child,  stirred  by 
marvellous  thoughts,  and  whom,  just  before  leading  his 
troops  to  the  Libyan  war,  he  had  again  met,  now  a  dig- 
nified maiden  of  stern  and  unapproachable  beauty. 
She  had  journeyed  from  Succoth  to  Tanis  to  attend  his 
mother's  funeral,  and  her  image  had  been  deeply  im- 
printed on  his  heart,  as  his  —  he  ventured  to  hope  —  on 
hers.  She  had  since  become  a  prophetess,  who  heard 
the  voice  of  her  God.  While  the  other  maidens  of  his 
people  were  kept  in  strict  seclusion,  she  was  free  to 
come  and  go  at  will,  even  among  men,  and  spite  of  her 
hate  of  the  Egyptians  and  of  Hosea's  rank  among  them, 
she  did  not  deny  that  it  was  grief  to  part  and  that  she 
would  never  cease  thinking  of  him.  His  future  wife 
must  be  as  strong,  as  earnest,  as  himself.  Miriam  was 
both,  and  quite  eclipsed  a  younger  and  brighter  vision 
which  he  had  once  conjured  before  his  memory  with 

joy- 
He  loved  children,  and  a  lovelier  girl  than 
Kasana  he  had  never  met,  either  in  Egypt  or  in  alien 
lands.  The  interest  with  which  the  fair  daughter  of  his 
companion-in-arms  watched  his  deeds  and  his  destiny, 
the  modest  yet  ardent  devotion  afterwards  displayed  by 
the  much  sought-after  young  widow,  who  coldly  re- 
pelled all  other  suitors,  had  been  a  delight  to  him  in 
times  of  peace.  Prior  to  her  marriage  he  had  thought 


42  JOSHUA. 

of  her  as  the  future  mistress  of  his  home,  but  her  wed- 
ding another,  and  Hornecht's  oft-repeated  declaration 
that  he  would  never  give  his  child  to  a  foreigner,  had 
hurt  his  pride  and  cooled  his  passion.  Then  he  met 
Miriam  and  was  fired  with  an  ardent  desire  to  make  her 
his  wife.  Still,  on  the  homeward  march  the  thought  of 
seeing  Kasana  again  had  been  a  pleasant  one.  It  was 
fortunate  he  no  longer  wished  to  wed  Hornecht's 
daughter ;  it  could  have  led  to  naught  save  trouble. 
Both  Hebrews  and  Egyptians  held  it  to  be  an  abomi- 
nation to  eat  at  the  same  board,  or  use  the  same  seats 
or  knives.  Though  he  himself  was  treated  by  his  com- 
rades as  one  of  themselves,  and  had  often  heard 
Kasana's  father  speak  kindly  of  his  kindred,  yet 
"  strangers  "  were  hateful  in  the  eyes  of  the  captain  of 
the  archers,  and  of  all  free  Egyptians. 

He  had  found  in  Miriam  the  noblest  of  women. 
He  hoped  that  Kasana  might  make  another  happy. 
To  him  she  would  ever  be  the  charming  child  from 
whom  we  expect  nothing  save  the  delight  of  her 
presence. 

He  had  come  to  ask  from  her,  as  a  tried  friend  ever 
ready  for  leal  service,  a  joyous  glance.  From  Miriam 
he  would  ask  herself,  with  all  her  majesty  and  beauty, 
for  he  had  borne  the  solitude  of  the  camp  long  enough, 
and  now  that  on  his  return  no  mother's  arms  opened  to 
welcome  him,  he  felt  for  the  first  time  the  desolation  of 
a  single  life.  He  longed  to  enjoy  the  time  of  peace 
when,  after  dangers  and  privations  of  every  kind,  he 
could  lay  aside  his  weapons.  It  was  his  duty  to  lead  a 
wife  home  to  his  father's  hearth  and  to  provide  against 
the  extinction  of  the  noble  race  of  which  he  was  the 
sole  representative.  Ephraim  was  the  son  of  his  sister. 


JOSHUA.  43 

Filled  with  the  happiest  thoughts,  he  had  advanced 
toward  Tanis  and,  on  reaching  the  goal  of  all  his  hopes 
and  wishes,  found  it  lying  before  him  like  a  ripening 
grain-field  devastated  by  hail  and  swarms  of  locusts. 

As  if  in  derision,  fate  led  him  first  to  the  Hebrew 
quarter.  A  heap  of  dusty  ruins  marked  the  site  of  the 
house  where  he  had  spent  his  childhood,  and  for  which 
his  heart  had  longed;  and  where  his  loved  ones  had 
watched  his  departure,  beggars  were  now  greedily 
searching  for  plunder  among  the  debris. 

The  first  man  to  greet  him  in  Tanis  was  Kasana's 
father.  Instead  of  a  friendly  glance  from  her  eyes,  he 
had  received  from  him  tidings  that  pierced  his  inmost 
heart.  He  had  expected  to  bring  home  a  wife,  and 
the  house  where  she  was  to  reign  as  mistress  was 
razed  to  the  ground.  The  father,  for  whose  blessing 
he  longed,  and  who  was  to  have  been  gladdened  by 
his  advancement,  had  journeyed  far  away  and  must 
henceforward  be  the  foe  of  the  sovereign  to  whom  he 
owed  his  prosperity. 

He  had  been  proud  of  rising,  despite  his  origin,  to 
place  and  power.  Now  he  would  be  able,  as  leader  of 
a  great  host,  to  show  the  prowess  of  which  he  was  ca- 
pable. His  inventive  brain  had  never  lacked  schemes 
which,  if  executed  by  his  superiors,  would  have  had 
good  results;  now  he  could  fulfil  them  according  to  his 
own  will,  and  instead  of  the  tool  become  the  guiding 
power. 

These  reflections  had  awakened  a  keen  sense  of  ex- 
ultation in  his  breast  and  winged  his  steps  on  his  home- 
ward march  and,  now  that  he  had  reached  the  goal,  so 
long  desired,  must  he  turn  back  to  join  the  shepherds 
and  builders  to  whom  —  it  now  seemed  a  sore  misfor- 


44  JOSHUA. 

tune  —  he  belonged  by  the  accident  of  birth  and  an- 
cestry, though,  denial  was  futile,  he  felt  as  utterly 
alien  to  the  Hebrews  as  he  was  to  the  Libyans  whom 
he  had  confronted  on  the  battle-field.  In  almost  every 
pursuit  he  valued,  he  had  nothing  in  common  with  his 
people.  He  had  believed  he  might  truthfully  answer 
yes  to  his  father's  enquiry  whether  he  had  returned  a 
Hebrew,  yet  he  now  felt  it  would  be  only  a  reluctant 
and  half-hearted  assent. 

He  clung  with  his  whole  soul  to  the  standards 
beneath  which  he  had  gone  to  battle  and  might  now 
himself  lead  to  victory.  Was  it  possible 'to  wrench  his 
heart  from  them,  renounce  what  his  own  deeds  had 
won  ?  Yet  Eliab's  granddaughter  had  told  him  that 
the  Hebrews  expected  him  to  leave  the  army  and  join 
them.  A  message  from  his  father  must  soon  reach 
him  —  and  among  the  Hebrews  a  son  never  opposed  a 
parent's  command. 

There  was  still  another  to  whom  implicit  obedience 
was  due,  "Pharaoh,  to  whom  he  had  solemnly  vowed 
loyal  service,  sworn  to  follow  his  summons  without 
hesitation  or  demur,  through  fire  and  water,  by  day  and 
night. 

How  often  he  had  branded  the  soldier  who  de- 
serted to  the  foe  or  rebelled  against  the  orders  of  his 
commander  as  a  base  scoundrel  and  villain,  and  by  his 
orders  many  a  renegade  from  his  standard  had  died  a 
shameful  death  on  the  gallows  under  his  own  eyes. 
Was  he  now  to  commit  the  deed  for  which  he  had 
despised  and  killed  others?  His  prompt  decision  was 
known  throughout  the  army,  how-  quickly  in  the  most 
difficult  situations  he  could  resolve  upon  the  right 
course  and  carry  it  into  action  ;  but  during  this  dark 


JOSHUA.  45 

and  lonely  hour  of  the  night  he  seemed  to  himself  a 
mere  swaying  reed,  and  felt  as  helpless  as  a  forsaken 
orphan. 

Wrath  against  himself  preyed  upon  him,  and  when  he 
mrust  a  spear  into  the  flames,  scattering  the  embers  and 
sending  a  shower  of  bright  sparks  upward,  it  was  rage 
at  his  own  wavering  will  that  guided  his  hand. 

Had  recent  events  imposed  upon  him  the  virile 
duty  of  vengeance,  doubt  and  hesitation  would  have 
vanished  and  his  father's  summons  would  have  spurred 
him  on  to  action;  but  who  had  been  the  heaviest 
sufferers  here  ?  Surely  it  was  the  Egyptians  whom 
Moses'  curse  had  robbed  of  thousands  of  beloved  lives, 
while  the  Hebrews  had  escaped  their  revenge  by  flight. 
His  wrath  had  been  kindled  by  the  destruction  of  the 
Hebrews'  houses,  but  he  saw  no  sufficient  cause  for  a 
bloody  revenge,  when  he  remembered  the  unspeakable 
anguish  inflicted  upon  Pharaoh  and  his  subjects  by  the 
men  of  his  own  race. 

Nay ;  he  had  nothing  to  avenge ;  he  seemed  to  him- 
self like  a  man  who  beholds  his  father  and  mother  in 
mortal  peril,  owns  that  he  cannot  save  both,  yet  knows 
that  while  staking  his  life  to  rescue  one  he  must  leave 
the  other  to  perish.  If  he  obeyed  the  summons  of  his 
people,  he  would  lose  his  honor,  which  he  had  kept  as 
untarnished  as  his  brazen  helm,  and  with  it  the  highest 
goal  of  his  life;  if  he  remained  loyal  to  Pharaoh  and 
his  oath,  he  must  betray  his  own  race,  have  all  his 
future  days  darkened  by  his  father's  curse,  and  resign 
the  brightest  dream  he  cherished;  for  Miriam  was  a 
true  child  of  her  people  and  he  would  be  blest  in- 
deed if  her  lofty  soul  could  be  as  ardent  in  love  as  it 
was  bitter  in  hate. 


46  JOSHUA. 

Stately  and  beautiful,  but  with  gloomy  eyes  and  hand 
upraised  in  warning,  her  image  rose  before  his  mental 
vision  as  lie  sat  gazing  over  the  smouldering  fire  out 
into  the  darkness.  And  now  the  pride  of  his  manhood 
rebelled,  and  it  seemed  base  cowardice  to  cast  aside, 
from  dread  of  a  woman's  wrath  and  censure,  all  that 
a  warrior  held  .most  dear. 

"  Nay,  nay,"  he  murmured,  and  the  scale  contain- 
ing duty,  love,  and  filial  obedience  suddenly  kicked  the 
beam.  He  was  what  he  was  —  the  leader  of  ten 
thousand  men  in  Pharaoh's  army.  He  had  vowed 
fealty  to  him  —  and  to  none  other.  Let  his  people  fly 
from  the  Egyptian  yoke,  if  they  desired.  He,  Hosea, 
scorned  flight.  Bondage  had  sorely  oppressed  them, 
but  the  highest  in  the  land  had  received  him  as  an 
equal  and  held  him  worthy  of  the  loftiest  honor.  To 
repay  them  with  treachery  and  desertion  was  foreign  to 
his  nature  and,  drawing  a  long  breath,  he  sprang  to  his 
feet  with  the  conviction  that  he  had  chosen  aright.  A 
fair  woman  and  the  weak  yearning  of  a  loving  heart 
should  not  make  him  a  recreant  to  grave  duties  and 
the  loftiest  purposes  of  his  life. 

"I  will  stay!"  cried  a  loud  voice  in  his  breast. 
"Father  is  wise  and  kind,  and  when  he  learns  the 
reasons  for  my  choice  he  will  approve  them  and  bless, 
instead  of  cursing  me.  I  will  write  to  him,  and  the 
boy  Miriam  sent  me  shall  be  the  messenger." 

A  call  from  the  tent  startled  him  and  when,  spring- 
ing up,  he  glanced  at  the  stars,  he  found  that  he  had 
forgotten  his  duty  to  the  suffering  lad  and  hurried  to 
his  couch. 

Ephraim  was  sitting  up  in  his  bed,  watching  for 
him,  and  exclaimed  :  "  I  have  been  waiting  a  long,  long 


JOSHUA.  47 

time  to  see  you.  So  many  thoughts  crowd  my  brain 
and,  above  all,  Miriam's  message.  I  can  get  no  rest 
until  I  have  delivered  it  —  so  listen  now." 

Hosea  nodded  assent  and,  after  drinking  the  heal- 
ing potion  handed  to  him,  Ephraim  began  : 

"  Miriam  the  daughter  of  Amram  and  Jochebed 
greets  the  son  of  Nun  the  Ephraimite.  Thy  name 
is  Hosea,  '  the  Help,'  and  the  Lord  our  God  hath 
chosen  thee  to  be  the  helper  of  His  people.  But 
henceforward,  by  His  command,  thou  shalt  be  called 
Joshua,*  the  help  of  Jehovah  ;  for  through  Miriam's 
lips  the  God  of  her  fathers,  who  is  the  God  of  thy 
fathers  likewise,  bids  thee  be  the  sword  and  buckler  of 
thy  people.  In  Him  dwells  all  power,  and  He  promises 
to  steel  thine  arm  that  He  may  smite  the  foe." 

Ephraim  had  begun  in  a  low  voice,  but  gradually 
his  tones  grew  more  resonant  and  the  last  words  rang 
loudly  and  solemnly  through  the  stillness  of  the  night. 

Thus  had  Miriam  uttered  them,  laying  her  hands 
on  the  lad's  head  and  gazing  earnestly  into  his  face 
with  eyes  deep  and  dark  as  night,  and  while  repeat- 
ing them  he  had  felt  as  though  some  secret  power  were 
constraining  him  to  shout  them  aloud  to  Hosea,  just  as 
he  had  heard  them  from  the  lips  of  the  prophetess. 
Then,  with  a  sigh  of  relief,  he  turned  his  face  toward 
the  canvas  wall  of  the  tent,  saying  quietly  : 

"  Now  I  will  go  to  sleep." 

But  Hosea  laid  his  hand  on  his  shoulder,  exclaim- 
ing imperiously  :  "  Say  it  again." 

The  youth  obeyed,  but  this  time  he  repeated  the 
words  in  a  low,  careless  tone,  then  saying  beseechingly  : 

*  Literally  Jehoshua,  he  who  helps  Jehova. 


48  JOSHUA. 

"  Let  me  rest  now,"  put  his  hand  under  his  cheek  and 
closed  his  eyes. 

Hosea  let  him  have  his  way,  carefully  applied  a 
fresh  bandage  to  his  burning  head,  extinguished  the 
light,  and  flung  more  fuel  on  the  smouldering  fire  out- 
side ;  but  the  alert,  resolute  man  performed  every  act  as 
if  in  a  dream.  At  last  he  sat  down,  and  propping  his 
elbows  on  his  knees  and  his  head  in  his  hands,  stared 
alternately,  now  into  vacancy,  and  anon  into  the  flames. 

Who  was  this  God  who  summoned  him  through 
Miriam's  lips  to  be,  under  His  guidance,  the  sword  and 
shield  of  His  people  ? 

He  was  to  be  known  by  a  new  name,  and  in  the 
minds  of  the  Egyptians  the  name  was  everything  "  Hon- 
or to  the  name  of  Pharaoh,"  not  "  Honor  to  Pharaoh" 
was  spoken  and  written.  And  if  henceforward  he  was 
to  be  called  Joshua,  the  behest  involved  casting  aside 
his  former  self,  and  becoming  a  new  man. 

The  will  of  the  God  ot  his  fathers  announced  to 
him  by  Miriam  meant  no  less  a  thing  than  the  com- 
mand to  transform  himself  from  the  Egyptian  his 
life  had  made  him,  into  the  Hebrew  he  had  been  when 
a  lad.  He  must  learn  to  act  and  feel  like  an  Israelite ! 

Miriam's  summons  called  him  back  to  his  people. 
The  God  of  his  race,  through  her,  commanded  him  to 
fulfil  his  father's  expectations.  Instead  of  the  Egyptian 
troops  whom  he  must  forsake,  he  was  in  future  to  lead 
the  men  of  his  own  blood  forth  to  battle !  This 
was  the  meaning  of  her  bidding,  and  when  the  noble 
virgin  and  prophetess  who  addressed  him,  asserted  that 
God  Himself  spoke  through  her  lips,  it  was  no  idle 
boast,  she  was  really  obeying  the  will  of  the  Most 
High.  And  now  the  image  of  the  woman  whom 


JOSHUA.  49 

he  had  ventured  to  love,  rose  in  unapproachable 
majesty  before  him.  Many  things  which  he  had 
heard  in  his  childhood  concerning  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, and  His  promises  returned  to  his  mind,  and  the 
scale  which  hitherto  had  been  the  heavier,  rose 
higher  and  higher.  The  resolve  just  matured,  now 
seemed  uncertain,  and  he  again  confronted  the  terrible 
conflict  he  had  believed  was  overpast. 

How  loud,  how  potent  was  the  call  he  heard ! 
Ringing  in  his  ears,  it  disturbed  the  clearness  and 
serenity  of  his  mind,  and  instead  of  calmly  reflecting  on 
the  matter,  memories  of  his  boyhood,  which  he  had  im- 
agined were  buried  long  ago,  raised  their  voices,  and 
incoherent  flashes  of  thought  darted  through  his  brain. 

Sometimes  he  felt  impelled  to  turn  in  prayer  to  the 
God  who  summoned  him,  but  whenever  he  attempted 
to  calm  himself  and  uplift  his  heart  and  eyes  to  Him,  he 
remembered  the  oath  he  must  break,  the  soldiers  he 
must  abandon  to  lead,  instead  of  well-disciplined, 
brave,  obedient  bands  of  brothers-in-arms,  a  wretched 
rabble  of  cowardly  slaves,  and  rude,  obstinate  shep- 
herds, accustomed  to  the  heavy  yoke  of  bondage. 

The  third  hour  after  midnight  had  come,  the  guards 
had  been  relieved,  and  Hosea  thought  he  might  now  per- 
mit himself  a  few  hours  repose.  He  would  think  all  these 
things  over  again  by  daylight  with  his  usual  clear  judg- 
ment, which  he  strove  in  vain  to  obtain  now.  But  when 
he  entered  the  tent  and  heard  Ephraim's  regular  breath- 
ing, he  fancied  that  the  boy's  solemn  message  was 
again  echoing  in  his  ears.  Startled,  he  was  in  the  act 
of  repeating  it  himself,  when  loud  voices  in  violent- alter- 
cation among  the  sentinels  disturbed  the  stillness  of 
the  night. 


50  JOSHUA. 

The  interruption  was  welcome,  and  he  hurried  to 
the  outposts. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

HOGLA,  the  old  slave's  granddaughter,  had  come  to 
beseech  Hosea  to  go  with  her  at  once  to  her  grand- 
father, who  had  suddenly  broken  down,  and  who  feeling 
the  approach  of  death  could  not  perish  without  having 
once  more  seen  and  blessed  him. 

The  warrior  told  her  to  wait  and,  after  assuring  him- 
self that  Ephraim  was  sleeping  quietly,  ordered  a 
trusty  man  to  watch  beside  his  bed  and  went  away 
with  Hogla. 

The  girl  walked  before  him.  carrying  a  small  lan- 
tern, and  as  its  light  fell  on  her  face  and  figure,  he  saw 
how  unlovely  she  was,  for  the  hard  toil  of  slavery  had 
bowed  the  poor  thing's  back  before  its  time.  Her  voice 
had  the  harsh  accents  frequently  heard  in  the  tones  of 
women  whose  strength  has  been  pitilessly  tasked ;  but 
her  words  were  kind  and  tender,  and  Hosea  forgot  her 
appearance  when  she  told  him  that  her  lover  had  gone 
with  the  departing  tribes,  yet  she  had  remained  with  her 
grandparents  because  she  could  not  bring  herself  to 
leave  the  old  couple  alone.  Because  she  had  no  beauty 
no  man  had  sought  her  for  his  wife  till  Assir  came,  who 
did  not  care  for  her  looks  because  he  toiled  indus- 
triously, like  herself,  and  expected  her  to  add  to  his 
savings.  He  would  gladly  have  stayed  with  her,  but 
his  father  had  commanded  him  to  go  forth,  so  there 
was  no  choice  for  them  save  to  obey  and  part  forever. 


JOSHUA.  51 

The  words  were  simple  and  the  accents  harsh,  yet 
they  pierced  the  heart  of  the  man  who  was  preparing  to 
follow  his  own  path  in  opposition  to  his  father's  will. 

As  they  approached  the  harbor  and  Hosea  saw  the 
embankments,  and  the  vast  fortified  storehouses  built 
by  his  own  people,  he  remembered  the  ragged  laborers 
whom  he  had  so  often  beheld  crouching  before  the 
Egyptian  overseers  or  fighting  savagely  among  them- 
selves. He  had  heard,  too,  that  they  shrunk  from  no 
lies,  no  fraud  to  escape  their  toil,  and  how  difficult  was 
the  task  of  compelling  them  to  obey  and  fulfil  their 
duty. 

The  most  repulsive  forms  among  these  luckless 
hordes  rose  distinctly  before  his  vision,  and  the  thought 
that  it  might  henceforward  be  his  destiny  to  command 
such  a  wretched  rabble  seemed  to  him  ignominy  which 
the  lowest  of  his  brave  officers,  the  leader  of  but  fifty 
men,  would  seek  to  avoid.  True,  Pharaoh's  armies  con- 
tained many  a  Hebrew  mercenary  who  had  won  re- 
nown for  bravery  and  endurance ;  but  these  men  were 
the  sons  of  owners  of  herds  or  people  who  had  once 
been  shepherds.  The  toiling  slaves,  whose  clay  huts 
could  be  upset  by  a  kick,  formed  the  majority  of  those 
to  whom  he  was  required  to  return. 

Resolute  in  his  purpose  to  remain  loyal  to  the  oath 
which  bound  him  to  the  Egyptian  standard,  yet  moved 
to  the  very  depths  of  his  heart,  he  entered  the  slave's 
little  hut,  and  his  anger  rose  when  he  saw  old  Eliab 
sitting  up,  mixing  some  wine  and  water  with  his  own 
hands.  So  he  had  been  summoned  from  his  nephew's 
sick-bed,  and  robbed  of  his  night's  rest,  on  a  false  pre- 
tence, in  order  that  a  slave,  in  his  eyes  scarcely  entitled 
to  rank  as  a  man,  might  have  his  way.  Here  he  him- 


52  JOSHUA. 

self  experienced  a  specimen  of  the  selfish  craft  of  which 
the  Egyptians  accused  his  people,  and  which  certainly 
did  not  attract  him,  Hosea,  to  them.  But  the  anger  of 
the  just,  keen  sighted-man  quickly  subsided  at  the  sight 
of  the  girl's  unfeigned  joy  in  her  grandfather's  speedy 
recovery.  Besides  he  soon  learned  from  the  old  man's 
aged  wife  that,  shortly  after  Hogla's  departure,  she  re- 
membered the  wine  they  had,  and  as  soon  as  he  swal- 
lowed the  first  draught  her  husband,  whom  she  had 
believed  had  one  foot  in  the  grave,  grew  better  and 
better.  Now  he  was  mixing  some  more  of  God's  gift 
to  strengthen  himself  occasionally  by  a  sip. 

Here  Eliab  interrupted  her  to  say  that  they  owed  this 
and  many  more  valuable  things  to  the  goodness  of  Nun, 
Hosea's  father,  who  had  given  them,  besides  their  little 
hut,  wine,  meal  for  bread,  a  milch  cow,  and  also  an  ass, 
so  that  he  could  often  ride  out  into  the  fresh  air.  He 
had  likewise  left  them  their  granddaughter  and  some 
pieces  of  silver,  so  that  they  could  look  forward  with- 
out fear  to  the  end  of  their  days,  especially  as  they  had 
behind  the  house  a  bit  of  ground,  where  Hogla  meant 
to  raise  radishes,  onions,  and  leeks  for  their  own  table. 
But  the  best  gift  of  all  was  the  written  document 
making  them  and  the  girl  free  forever.  Ay,  Nun  was 
a  true  master  and  father  to  his  people,  and  the  blessing 
of  Jehovah  had  followed  his  gifts  ;  for  soon  after  the 
departure  of  the  Hebrews,  he  and  his  wife  had  been 
brought  hither  unmolested  by  the  aid  of  Assir,  Hogla's 
lover. 

"  We  old  people  shall  die  here,"  Eliab's  wife  added. 
But  Assir  promised  Hogla  that  he  would  come  back 
for  her  when  she  had  discharged  her  filial  duties  to  the 
end. 


JOSHUA.  53 

Then,  turning  to  her  granddaughter,  she  said 
encouragingly :  "  And  we  cannot  live  much  longer 
now." 

Hogla  raised  her  blue  gown  to  wipe  the  tears  from 
her  eyes,  exclaiming : 

"  May  it  be  a  long,  long  time  yet.  I  am  young 
and  can  wait." 

Hosea  heard  the  words,  and  again  it  seemed  as 
though  the  poor,  forsaken,  unlovely  girl  was  giving  him 
a  lesson. 

He  had  listened  patiently  to  the  freed  slaves'  talk, 
but  his  time  was  limited  and  he  now  asked  whether 
Eliab  had  summoned  him  for  any  special  purpose. 

"  Ay,"  he  replied ;  "  I  was  obliged  to  send,  not 
only  to  still  the  yearning  of  my  old  heart,  but  because 
my  lord  Nun  commanded  me  to  do  so." 

"  Thou  hast  attained  a  grand  and  noble  manhood, 
and  hast  now  become  the  hope  of  Israel.  Thy  father 
promised  the  slaves  and  freedmen  of  his  household  that 
after  his  death,  thou  wouldst  be  heir,  lord  and  master. 
His  words  were  full  of  thy  praise,  and  great  rejoicing 
hailed  his  statement  that  thou  wouldst  follow  the  depart- 
ing Hebrews.  And  my  lord  deigned  to  command  me  to 
tell  thee,  if  thou  should'st  return  ere  his  messenger  ar- 
rived, that  Nun,  thy  father,  expected  his  son.  Whither- 
soever thy  nation  may  wander,  thou  art  to  follow. 
Toward  sunrise,  or  at  latest  by  the  noon-tide  hour,  the 
tribes  will  tarry  to  rest  at  Succoth.  He  will  conceal  in 
the  hollow  sycamore  that  stands  in  front  of  Amminadab's 
house  a  letter  which  will  inform  thee  whither  they  will 
next  turn  their  steps.  His  blessing  and  that  of  our 
God  will  attend  thy  every  step." 

As  Eliab  uttered  the  last  words,  Hosea  bowed  his 
5 


54  JOSHUA. 


head  as  if  inviting  invisible  hands  to  be  laid  upon 
it.  Then  he  thanked  the  old  man  and  asked,  in  sub- 
dued tones,  whether  all  the  Hebrews  had  willingly 
obeyed  the  summons  to  leave  house  and  lands. 

His  aged  wife  clasped  her  hands,  exclaiming  :  "  Oh 
no,  my  lord,  certainly  not.  What  wailing  and  weeping 
filled  the  air  before  their  departure !  Many  refused  to 
go,  others  fled,  or  sought  some  hiding-place.  But  all 
resistance  was  futile.  In  the  house  of  our  neighbor 
Deuel — you  know  him  —  his  young  wife  had  just 
given  birth  to  their  first  son.  How  was  she  to  fare  on 
the  journey  ?  She  wept  bitterly  and  her  husband 
uttered  fierce  curses,  but  it  was  all  in  vain.  She  was 
put  in  a  cart  with  her  babe,  and  as  the  arrangements 
went  on,  both  submitted  like  all  the  rest  —  even 
Phineas  who  crept  into  a  pigeon-house  with  his  wife  and 
five  children,  and  crooked  grave-haunting  Kusaja.  Do 
you  remember  her  ?  Adona'i !  She  had  seen  father, 
mother,  husband,  and  three  noble  sons,  all  that  the  Lord 
had  given  her  to  love,  borne  to  the  tomb.  They  lay 
side  by  side  in  our  burying  ground,  and  every  morning 
and  evening  she  went  there  and,  sitting  on  a  log  of  wood 
which  she  had  rolled  close  to  the  gravestones,  moved  her 
lips  constantly,  not  in  prayer  —  no,  I  have  listened 
often  when  she  did  not  know  I  was  near  —  no;  she 
talked  to  the  dead,  as  though  they  could  hear  her  in 
the  sepulchre,  and  understand  her  words  like  those  who 
walk  alive  beneath  the  sun.  She  is  near  seventy,  and 
for  thrice  seven  years  she  has  gone  by  the  name  of 
grave-haunting  Kusaja.  It  was  in  sooth  a  foolish 
thing  to  do ;  yet  perhaps  that  was  why  she  found  it  all 
the  harder  to  give  it  up,  and  go  she  would  not,  but 
hid  herself  among  the  bushes.  When  Ahieser,  the 


JOSHUA.  55 

overseer,  dragged  her  out,  her  wailing  made  one's  heart 
sore,  yet  when  the  time  for  departure  came,  the  long- 
ing to  go  seized  upon  her  also,  and  she  found  it  as 
hard  to  resist  as  the  others." 

"  What  had  happened  to  the  poor  creatures,  what 
possessed  them  ?"  asked  Hosea,  interrupting  the  old 
wife's  speech ;  for  in  imagination  he  again  beheld  the 
people  he  must  lead,  if  he  valued  his  father's  blessing  as 
the  most  priceless  boon  the  world  could  offer,  and 
beheld  them  in  all  their  wretchedness. 

The  startled  dame,  fearing  that  she  had  offended 
her  master's  first-born  son,  the  great  and  powerful 
chieftain,  stammered : 

"  What  possessed  them,  my  lord  ?  Ah,  well  —  I 
am  but  a  poor  lowly  slave-woman;  yet,  my  lord,  had 
you  but  seen  it.  .  .  ." 

"  Well,  even  then  ?"  interrupted  the  warrior  in 
harsh,  impatient  tones,  for  this  was  the  first  time  he 
had  ever  found  himself  compelled  to  act  against  his 
desires  and  belief. 

Eliab  tried  to  come  to  the  assistance  of  the  terrified 
woman,  saying  timidly : 

"  Ah,  my  lord,  no  tongue  can  relate,  no  human 
mind  can  picture  it.  It  came  from  the  Almighty  and, 
if  I  could  describe  how  great  was  its  influence  on  the 
souls  of  the  people.  .  .  ." 

"  Try,"  Hosea  broke  in,  "  but  my  time  is  brief.  So 
they  were  compelled  to  depart,  and  set  forth  reluctantly 
on  their  wanderings.  Even  the  Egyptians  have  long 
known  that  they  obeyed  the  bidding  of  Moses  and 
Aaron  as  the  sheep  follow  the  shepherd.  Have  those 
who  brought  the  terrible  pestilence  on  so  many  guilt- 


56  JOSHUA. 

less  human  beings  also  wrought  the  miracle  of  blinding 
the  minds  of  you  and  of  your  wife  ?" 

The  old  man  stretched  out  his  hands  to  the  soldier, 
and  answered  in  a  troubled  voice  and  a  tone  of  the 
most  humble  entreaty : 

"Oh,  my  lord,  you  are  my  master's  first-born  son, 
the  greatest  and  loftiest  of  your  race,  if  it  is  your 
pleasure  you  can  trample  me  into  the  dust  like  a 
beetle,  yet  I  must  lift  up  my  voice  and  say :  '  You 
have  heard  false  tales !'  You  were  away  in  foreign 
lands  when  mighty  things  were  done  in  our  midst,  and 
far  from  Zoan,*  as  I  hear,  when  the  exodus  took  place. 
Any  son  of  our  people  who  witnessed  it  would  rather 
his  tongue  should  wither  than  mock  at  the  marvels  the 
Lord  permitted  him  to  behold.  Ah,  if  you  had 
patience  to  suffer  me  to  tell  the  tale.  .  .  ." 

"  Speak  on !"  cried  Hosea,  astonished  at  the  old 
man's  solemn  fervor.  Eliab  thanked  him  with  an 
ardent  glance,  exclaiming : 

"  Oh,  would  that  Aaron,  or  Eleasar,  or  my  lord 
your  father  were  here  in  my  stead,  or  would  that 
Jehovah  would  bestow  on  me  the  might  of  their  elo- 
quence !  But  be  it  as  it  is !  True,  I  imagine  I  can 
again  see  and  hear  everything  as  though  it  were  hap- 
pening once  more  before  my  eyes,  but  how  am  I  to 
describe  it  ?  How  can  such  things  be  given  in  words  ? 
Yet,  with  God's  assistance,  I  will  try." 

Here  he  paused  and  Hosea,  noticing  that  the  old 
man's  hands  and  lips  were  trembling,  gave  him  the  cup 
of  wine,  and  Eliab  gratefully  quaffed  it  to  the  dregs. 
Then,  half-closing  his  eyes,  he  began  his  story  and  his 
wrinkled  features  grew  sharper  as  he  went  on  : 

*  The  Hebrew  name  of  Tanis. 


JOSHUA.  57 

"  My  wife  has  already  told  you  what  occurred  after 
the  people  learned  the  command  that  had  been  issued. 
We,  too,  were  among  those  who  lost  courage  and  mur- 
mured. But  last  night,  all  who  belonged  to  the  house- 
hold of  Nun  —  and  also  the  shepherds,  the  slaves,  and 
the  poor  —  were  summoned  to  a  feast,  and  there  was 
abundance  of  roast  lamb,  fresh,  unleavened  bread,  and 
wine,  more  than  usual  at  the  harvest  festival,  which 
began  that  night,  and  which  you,  my  lord,  have  often 
attended  in  your  boyhood.  We  sat  rejoicing,  and  our 
lord,  your  father,  comforted  us,  and  told  us  of  the  God 
of  our  fathers  and  the  wonders  He  had  wrought  for 
them.  It  was  now  His  will  that  we  should  go  forth 
from  this  land  where  we  had  suffered  contempt  and 
bondage.  This  was  no  sacrifice  like  that  of  Abraham 
when,  at  the  command  of  the  Most  High,  he  had 
whetted  his  knife  to  shed  the  blood  of  his  son  Isaac, 
though  it  would  be  hard  for  many  of  us  to  quit  a 
home  that  had  grown  dear  to  us  and  forego  many 
a  familiar  custom.  But  it  will  be  a  great  happiness 
for  us  all.  For,  he  said,  we  were  not  to  journey 
forth  to  an  unknown  country,  but  to  a  beautiful  region 
which  God  Himself  had  set  apart  for  us.  He  had 
promised  us,  instead  of  this  place  of  bondage,  a  new 
and  delightful  home  where  we  should  dwell  free  men, 
amid  fruitful  fields  and  rich  pastures,  which  would 
supply  food  to  every  man  and  his  family  and  make  all 
hearts  rejoice.  Just  as  laborers  must  work  hard  to 
earn  high  wages,  we  must  endure  a  brief  period  of  want 
and  suffering  to  gain  for  ourselves  and  for  our  children 
the  beautiful  new  home  which  the  Lord  had  promised. 
God's  own  land  it  must  be,  for  it  was  a  gift  of  the  Most 
High. 


58  JOSHUA. 

"  Having  spoken  thus,  he  blessed  us  all  and  prom- 
ised that  thou,  too,  wouldst  shake  the  dust  from  off  thy 
feet,  and  join  us  to  fight  for  our  cause  with  a  strong  arm 
as  a  trained  soldier  and  a  dutiful  son. 

"  Shouts  of  joy  rang  forth  and,  when  we  assembled 
in  the  market-place  and  found  that  all  the  bondmen 
had  escaped  from  the  overseers,  many  gained  fresh 
courage.  Then  Aaron  stepped  into  our  midst,  stood 
upon  the  auctioneer's  bench,  and  told  us  with  his  own 
lips  all  that  we  had  heard  from  my  master  Nun  at  the 
festival.  The  words  he  uttered  sounded  sometimes 
like  pealing  thunder,  and  anon  like  the  sweet  melody 
of  lutes,  and  every  one  felt  that  the  Lord  our  God 
Himself  was  speaking  through  him ;  for  even  the  most 
rebellious  were  so  deeply  moved  that  they  no  longer 
complained  and  murmured.  And  when  he  finally  an- 
nounced to  the  throng  that  no  erring  mortal,  but  the 
Lord  our  God  Himself  would  be  our  leader,  and  de- 
scribed the  wonders  of  the  land  whose  gates  He  would 
open  unto  us,  and  where  we  might  live,  trammelled  by 
no  bondage,  as  free  and  happy  men,  owing  no  obedi- 
ence to  any  ruler  save  the  God  of  our  fathers  and 
those  whom  we  ourselves  chose  for  our  leaders,  every 
man  present  felt  as  though  he  were  drunk  with  sweet 
wine,  and,  instead  of  faring  forth  across  a  barren  wil- 
derness to  an  unknown  goal,  was  on  the  way  to  a  great 
festal  banquet,  prepared  by  the  Most  High  Himself. 
Even  those  who  had  not  heard  Aaron's  words  were 
inspired  with  wondrous  faith;  men  and  women  be- 
haved even  more  joyously  and  noisily  than  usual  at  the 
harvest  festival,  for  every  heart  was  overflowing  with 
genuine  gratitude. 
"  The  old  people  caught  the  universal  spirit !  Your 


JOSHUA.  59 

grandfather  Elishama,  bowed  by  the  weight  of  his 
hundred  years,  who,  as  you  know,  has  long  sat  bent 
and  silent  in  his  corner,  straightened  his  drooping  form, 
and  with  sparkling  eyes  poured  forth  a  flood  of  elo- 
quent words.  The  spirit-of  the  Lord  had  descended 
upon  him  and  upon  us  all.  I  myself  felt  as  though  the 
vigor  of  youth  had  returned  to  mind  and  body,  and 
when  I  passed  the  throngs  who  were  preparing  to  set 
forth,  I  saw  the  young  mother  Elisheba  in  her  litter. 
Her  face  was  as  radiant  as  on  her  marriage  morn,  and 
she  was  pressing  her  nursling  to  her  breast,  and  rejoic- 
ing over  his  happy  fate  in  growing  up  in  freedom  in 
the  Promised  Land.  Her  spouse,  Deuel,  who  had 
poured  forth  such  bitter  imprecations,  now  waved  his 
staff,  kissed  his  wife  and  child  with  tears  of  joy,  and 
shouted  wiih  delight  like  a  vintager  at  the  harvest 
season,  when  jars  and  wine  skins  are  too  few  to  hold  the 
blessing.  Old  grave-haunting  Kusaja,  who  had  been 
dragged  away  from  the  sepulchre  of  her  kindred,  was 
sitting  in  a  cart  with  other  infirm  folk,  waving  her  veil 
and  joining  in  the  hymn  of  praise  Elkanah  and  Abia- 
saph,  the  sons  of  Korah,  had  begun.  So  they  went 
forth  ;  we  who  were  left  behind  fell  into  each  other's 
arms,  uncertain  whether  the  tears  we  shed  streamed 
from  our  eyes  for  grief  or  for  sheer  joy  at  seeing  the 
throng  of  our  loved  ones  so  full  of  hope  and  gladness. 

"  So  it  came  to  pass. 

"  As  soon  as  the  pitch  torches  borne  at  the  head  of 
the  procession,  which  seemed  to  me  to  shine  more  brightly 
than  the  lamps  lighted  by  the  Egyptians  on  the  gates 
of  the  temple  of  the  great  goddess  Neith,  had  vanish- 
ed in  the  darkness,  we  set  out,  that  we  might  not  delay 
Assir  too  long,  and  while  passing  through  the  streets, 


Co  JOSHUA. 

which  resounded  with  the  wailing  of  the  citizens,  we 
softly  sang  the  hymn  of  the  sons  of  Korah,  and  great 
joy  and  peace  filled  our  hearts,  for  we  knew  that  the 
Lord  our  God  would  defend  and  guide  His  people." 

The  old  man  paused,  but  his  wife  and  Hogla,  who 
had  listened  with  sparkling  eyes,  leaned  one  on  the 
other  and,  without  any  prompting,  began  the  hymn  of 
praise  of  the  sons  of  Korah,  the  old  woman's  faint 
voice  mingling  with  touching  fervor  with  the  tones  of 
the  girl,  whose  harsh  notes  thrilled  with  the  loftiest 
enthusiasm. 

Hosea  felt  that  it  would  be  criminal  to  interrupt  the 
outpouring  of  these  earnest  hearts,  but  Kliab  soon 
stopped  them  and  gazed  with  evident  anxiety  into  the 
stern  face  of  his  lord's  first-born  son. 

Had  Hosea  understood  him  ? 

Did  this  warrior,  who  served  under  Pharaoh's  ban- 
ner, realize  how  entirely  the  Lord  God  Himself  had 
ruled  the  souls  of  his  people  at  their  departure. 

Had  the  life  among  the  Egyptians  so  estranged  him 
from  his  people  and  his  God,  rendered  him  so  degene- 
rate, that  he  would  bid  defiance  to  the  wishes  and 
commands  of  his  own  father  ? 

Was  the  man  on  whom  the  Hebrews'  highest  hopes 
were  fixed  a  renegade,  forever  lost  to  his  people  ? 

He  received  no  verbal  answer  to  these  mute  ques- 
tions, but  when  Hosea  grasped  his  callous  right  hand 
in  both  his  own  and  pressed  it  as  he  would  have 
clasped  a  friend's,  when  he  bade  him  farewell  with 
tearful  eyes,  murmuring :  "  You  shall  hear  from  me  !" 
he  felt  that  he  knew  enough  and,  overwhelmed  with 
passionate  delight,  he  pressed  kiss  after  kiss  upon  the 
warrior's  arms  and  clothing. 


JOSHUA.  6l 


CHAPTER  VII. 

HOSEA  returned  to  the  camp  with  drooping  head. 
The  conflict  in  his  soul  was  at  an  end.  He  now  knew 
what  duty  required.  He  must  obey  his  father's  sum- 
mons. 

And  the  God  of  his  race ! 

The  old  man's  tale  had  given  new  life  to  the 
memories  of  his  childhood,  and  he  now  knew  that  He 
was  not  the  same  God  as  the  Seth  of  the  Asiatics  in 
Lower  Egypt,  nor  the  "  One  "  and  the  "  Sum  of  All  " 
of  the  adepts. 

The  prayers  he  had  uttered  ere  he  fell  asleep, 
the  history  of  the  creation  of  the  world,  which  he 
could  never  hear  sufficiently  often,  'because  it  showed 
so  clearly  the  gradual  development  of  everything  on 
earth  and  in  heaven  until  man  came  to  possess  and 
enjoy  all,  the  story  of  Abraham  and  Isaac,  of  Jacob, 
Esau,  and  his  own  ancestor,  Joseph  —  how  gladly  he 
had  listened  to  these  tales  as  they  fell  from  the  lips  of 
the  gentle  woman  who  had  given  him  life,  and  from 
those  of  his  nurse,  and  his  grandfather  Elishama.  Yet 
he  imagined  that  they  had  faded  from  his  memory  long 
ago. 

But  in  old  Eliab's  hovel  he  could  have  repeated  the 
stories  word  for  word,  and  he  now  knew  that  there  was 
indeed  one  invisible,  omnipotent  God,  who  had  pre- 
ferred his  race  above  all  others,  and  had  promised  to 
make  them  a  mighty  people. 

The  truths  concealed  by  the  Egyptians  under  the 


62  JOSHUA. 

greatest  mystery  were  the  common  property  of  his 
race.  Every  beggar,  every  slave,  might  raise  his  hands 
in  supplication  to  the  one  invisible  God  who  had  re- 
vealed Himself  unto  Abraham. 

Shrewd  Egyptians,  who  had  divined  His  existence 
and  shrouded  His  image  with  monstrous  shapes,  born 
of  their  own  thoughts  and  imaginations,  had  drawn  a 
thick  veil  over  Him,  hidden  Him  from  the  masses. 
Among  the  Hebrews  alone  did  He  really  live  and  dis- 
play His  power  in  all  its  mighty,  heart-stirring  grandeur. 

He  was  not  nature,  with  whom  the  initiated  in  the 
temples  confounded  Him.  No,  the  God  of  his  fathers 
was  far  above  all  created  things  and  the  whole  visible 
universe,  far  above  man,  His  last,  most  perfect  work, 
whom  He  had  formed  in  His  own  image ;  and  every 
living  creature  was  subject  to  His  will.  The  Might- 
iest of  Kings,  He  ruled  the  universe  with  stern  justice, 
and  though  He  withdrew  Himself  from  the  sight  and 
understanding  of  man,  His  image,  He  was  neverthe- 
less a  living,  thinking,  moving  Being,  though  His  span 
of  existence  was  eternity,  His  mind  omniscience,  His 
sphere  of  sovereignty  infinitude. 

And  this  God  had  made  Himself  the  leader  of 
His  people !  There  was-  no  warrior  who  could 
venture  to  cope  with  His  might.  If  the  spirit  of 
prophecy  had  not  deceived  Miriam,  and  the  Lord  had 
indeed  commanded  Hosea  to  wield  His  sword,  how 
dared  he  resist,  what  higher  position  could  earth  offer? 

And  his  people  ?  The  rabble  of  whom  he  had 
thought  so  scornfully,  what  a  transformation  seemed  to 
have  been  wrought  in  them  by  the  power  of  the  Most 
High,  since  he  had  listened  to  old  Eliab's  tale !  Now  he 
longed  to  be  their  leader,  and  midway  to  the  camp  he 


JOSHUA.  63 

paused  on  a  sand-hill,  whence  he  could  see  the  limit- 
less expanse  of  the  sea  shimmering  under  the  sheen  of 
the  twinkling  stars  of  heaven,  and  for  the  first  time 
in  many  a  long,  long  year,  he  raised  his  arms  and  eyes 
to  the  God  whom  he  had  found  once  more. 

He  began  with  a  little  prayer  his  mother  had 
taught  him ;  then  he  cried  out  to  the  Almighty  as  to  a 
powerful  counselor,  imploring  him  with  fervent  zeal  to 
point  out  the  way  in  which  he  should  walk  without 
being  disobedient  to  Him  or  to  his  father,  or  breaking 
the  oath  he  had  sworn  to  Pharaoh  and  becoming  a 
dishonored  man  in  the  eyes  of  those  to  whom  he  owed 
so  great  a  debt  of  gratitude. 

"Thy  chosen  people  praise  Thee  as  the  God  of 
Truth,  Who  dost  punish  those  who  forswear  their 
oaths,"  he  prayed.  "  How  canst  Thou  command  me 
to  be  faithless  and  break  the  vow  that  I  have  made. 
Whatever  I  am,  whatever  I  may  accomplish,  belongs 
to  Thee,  Oh  Mighty  Lord,  and  I  am  ready  to  devote 
my  blood,  my  life  to  my  people.  But  rather  than 
render  me  a  dishonored  and  perjured  man,  take  me 
away  from  earth  and  commit  the  work  which  Thou 
hast  chosen  Thy  servant  to  perform,  to  the  hands  of 
one  who  is  bound  by  no  solemn  oath." 

So  he  prayed,  and  it  seemed  as  if  he  clasped  in  his 
embrace  a  long-lost  friend.  Then  he  walked  on  in 
silence  through  the  vanishing  dusk,  and  when  the  first 
grey  light  of  morning  dawned,  the  flood  of  feeling 
ebbed,  and  the  clear-headed  warrior  regained  his  calm- 
ness of  thought. 

He  had  vowed  to  do  nothing  against  the  will  of  his 
father  or  his  God,  but  he  was  no  less  firmly  resolved 
to  be  neither  perjurer  nor  renegade.  His  duty  was  clear 


64  JOSHUA. 

and  plain.  He  must  leave  Pharaoh's  service,  first  tell- 
ing his  superiors  that,  as  a  dutiful  son,  he  must  obey  his 
father's  commands,  and  share  his  fate  and  that  of  his 
people. 

Yet  he  did  not  conceal  from  himself  that  his  request 
might  be  refused,  that  he  might  be  detained  by  force, 
nay,  perchance,  if  he  insisted  on  carrying  out  his  pur- 
pose with  unshaken  will,  he  might  be  menaced  with 
death,  or  if  the  worst  should  come,  even  delivered  over 
to  the  executioner.  But  if  this  should  be  his  doom,  if 
his  purpose  cost  him  his  life,  he  would  still  have  done 
what  was  right,  and  his  comrades,  whose  esteem  he 
valued,  could  still  think  of  him  as  a  brave  brother-in- 
arms. Nor  would  his  father  and  Miriam  be  angry  with 
him,  nay,  they  would  mourn  the  faithful  son,  the 
upright  man,  who  chose  death  rather  than  dishonor. 

Calm  and  resolute,  he  gave  the  pass-word  with 
haughty  bearing  to  the  sentinel  and  entered  his  tent. 

Ephraim  was  still  lying  on  his  couch,  smiling  as  if 
under  the  thrall  of  pleasant  dreams.  Hosea  threw 
himself  on  a  mat  beside  him  to  seek  strength  for  the 
hard  duties  of  the  coming  day.  Soon  his  eyes  closed, 
too,  and,  after  an  hour's  sound  sleep,  he  woke  without 
being  roused  and  called  for  his  holiday  attire,  his 
helmet,  and  the  gilt  coat-of-mail  he  wore  at  great  fes- 
tivals or  in  the  presence  of  Egypt's  king. 

Meantime  Ephraim,  too,  awoke,  looked  with  mingled 
curiosity  and  delight  at  his  uncle,  who  stood  before 
him  in  all  the  splendor  of  his  manhood  and  glittering 
panoply  of  war,  and  exclaimed  : 

"It  must  be  a  proud  feeling  to  wear  such  garments 
and  lead  thousands  to  battle." 

Hosea  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  replied: 


JOSHUA.  65 

"  Obey  thy  God,  give  no  man,  from  the  loftiest  to 
the  lowliest,  a  right  to  regard  you  save  with  respect, 
and  you  can  hold  your  head  as  high  as  the  proudest 
warrior  who  ever  wore  purple  robe  and  golden  armor." 

"  But  you  have  done  great  deeds  among  the  Egyp- 
tians," Ephraim  continued.  "  They  hold  you  in  high 
regard;  even  -captain  Hornecht  and  his  daughter, 
Kasana." 

"  Do  they  ?"  asked  the  soldier  smiling,  and  then 
bid  his  nephew  keep  quiet;  for  his  brow,  though  less 
fevered  than  the  night  before,  was  still  burning. 

"  Don't  go  into  the  open  air  until  the  leech  has 
seen  you,"  Hosea  added,  "  and  wait  here  till  my 
return." 

"  Shall  you  be  absent  long  ?"  asked  the  lad. 

Hosea  paused  for  a  moment,  lost  in  thought  then, 
with  a  kindly  glance  at  him  answered,  gravely : 

"  Whoever  serves  a  master  knows  not  how  long  he 
may  be  detained."  Then,  changing  his  tone,  he  con- 
tinued less  earnestly.  "  To-day  —  this  morning  — 
perchance  I  may  finish  my  business  speedily  and  return 
in  a  few  hours.  If  not,  if  I  do  not  come  back  to  you 
this  evening  or  early  to-morrow  morning,  then.  .  .  ."  he 
laid  his  hand  on  the  lad's  shoulder  as  he  spoke  — 
"then  go  home  at  your  utmost  speed.  When  you 
reach  Succoth,  if  the  people  have  gone  before  your 
coming,  you  will  find  in  the  hollow  sycamore  before 
Amminadab's  house  a  letter  which  will  tell  you  whither 
they  have  turned  their  steps.  When  you  overtake 
them,  give  my  greetings  to  my  father,  to  my  grand- 
father Elishama,  and  to  Miriam.  Tell  them  that  Hosea 
will  be  mindful  of  the  commands  of  his  God  and  of  his 
father.  In  future  he  will  call  himself  Joshua  —  Joshua, 


66  JOSHUA, 

do  you  hear  ?  Tell  this  to  Miriam  first.  Finally, 
tell  them  that  if  I  remain  behind  and  am  not  suffered 
to  follow  them,  as  I  would  like  to,  that  the  Most  High 
has  made  a  different  disposal  of  His  servant  and  has 
broken  the  sword  which  He  had  chosen,  ere  He  used 
it.  Do  you  understand  me,  boy  ?" 

Ephraim  nodded,  and  answered  : 

"You  mean  that  death  alone  can  stay  you  from 
obeying  the  summons  of  God,  and  your  father's  com- 
mand." 

"  Ay,  that  was  my  meaning,"  replied  the  chief. 
"If  they  ask  why  I  did  not  slip  away  from  Pharaoh 
and  escape  his  power,  say  that  Hosea  desired  to  enter 
on  his  new  office  as  a  true  man,  unstained  by  perjury 
or,  if  it  is  the  will  of  God,  to  die  one.  Now  repeat  the 
message." 

Ephraim  obeyed  ;  his  uncle's  remarks  must  have 
sunk  deep  into  his  soul;  for  he  neither  forgot  nor 
altered  a  single  word.  But  scarcely  had  he  performed 
the  task  of  repetition  when,  with  impetuous  earnestness, 
he  grasped  Hosea's  hand  and  besought  him  to  tell  him 
whether  he  had  any  cause  to  fear  for  his  life. 

The  warrior  clasped  him  affectionately  in  his  arms 
and  answered  that  he  hoped  lie  had  entrusted  this 
message  to  him  only  to  have  it  forgotten.  "  Perhaps," 
he  added,  "  they  will  strive  to  keep  me  by  force,  but 
by  God's  help  I  shall  soon  be  with  you  again,  and  we 
will  ride  to  Succoth  together." 

With  these  words  he  hurried  out,  unheeding  the 
questions  his  nephew  called  after  him;  for  he  had 
heard  the  rattle  of  wheels  outside.  Two  chariots, 
drawn  by  mettled  steeds,  rapidly  approached  the  tent 
and  stopped  directly  before  the  entrance. 


JOSHUA.  67 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

THE  men  who  stepped  from  the  chariots  were  old 
acquaintances  of  Hosea.  They  were  the  head  cham- 
berlain and  one  of  the  king's  chief  scribes,  come  to 
summon  him  to  the  Sublime  Porte.* 

No  hesitation  nor  escape  was  possible,  and  Hosea, 
feeling  more  surprise  than  anxiety,  entered  the  second 
chariot  with  the  chief  scribe.  Both  officials  wore  mourn- 
ing robes,  and  instead  of  the  white  ostrich  plume,  the 
insignia  of  office,  black  ones  waved  over  the  temples  of 
both.  The  horses  and  runners  of  the  two-wheeled 
chariots  were  also  decked  with  all  the  emblems  of  the 
deepest  woe.  And  yet  the  monarch's  messengers 
seemed  cheerful  rather  than  depressed;  for  the  eagle 
they  were  to  bear  to  Pharaoh  was  ready  to  obey  his 
behest,  and  they  had  feared  that  they  would  find  his 
eyrie  abandoned. 

Swift  as  the  wind  the  long-limbed  bays  of  royal 
breed  bore  the  light  vehicles  over  the  uneven  sandy 
road  and  the  smooth  highway  toward  the  palace. 

Ephraim,  with  the  curiosity  of  youth,  had  gone  out 
of  the  tent  to  view  a  scene  so  novel  to  his  eyes.  The 
soldiers  were  pleased  by  the  Pharaoh's  sending  his  own 
carriage  for  their  commander,  and  the  lad's  vanity  was 
flattered  to  see  his  uncle  drive  away  in  such  state. 
But  he  was  not  permitted  the  pleasure  of  watching  him 
long ;  dense  clouds  of  dust  soon  hid  the  vehicles. 

*  Palace  of  the  king.  The  name  of  Pharaoh  means  "  the  Sublime 
Porte." 


68  JOSHUA. 

The  scorching  desert  wind  which,  during  the  Spring 
months,  so  often  blows  through  the  valley  of  the  Nile, 
had  risen,  and  though  the  bright  blue  sky  which  had 
been  visible  by  night  and  day  was  still  cloudless,  it  was 
veiled  by  a  whitish  mist. 

The  sun,  a  motionless  ball,  glared  down  on  the 
heads  of  men  like  a  blind  man's  eye.  The  burning 
heat  it  diffused  seemed  to  have  consumed  its  rays, 
which  to-day  were  invisible.  The  eye  protected  by  the 
mist  could  gaze  at  it  undazzled,  yet  its  scorching  power 
was  undiminished.  The  light  breeze,  which  usually 
fanned  the  brow  in  the  morning,  touched  it  now  like 
the  hot  breath  of  a  ravening  beast  of  prey.  Loaded 
with  the  fine  scorching  sand  borne  from  the  desert,  it 
transformed  the  pleasure  of  breathing  into  a  painful 
torture.  The  air  of  an  Egyptian  March  morning, 
which  was  wont  to  be  so  balmy,  now  oppressed  both 
man  and  beast,  choking  their  lungs  and  seeming  to 
weigh  upon  them  like  a  burden  destroying  all  joy  in 
life. 

The  higher  the  pale  rayless  globe  mounted  into  the 
sky,  the  greyer  became  the  fog,  the  more  densely  and 
swiftly  blew  the  sand-clouds  from  the  desert. 

Ephraim  was  still  standing  in  front  of  the  tent,  gazing 
at  the  spot  where  Pharaoh's  chariots  had  disappeared. 
His  knees  trembled,  but  he  attributed  it  to  the  wind 
sent  by  Seth-Typhon,  at  whose  blowing  even  the 
strongest  felt  an  invisible  burden  clinging  to  their 
feet. 

Hosea  had  gone,  but  he  might  come  back  in  a  few 
hours,  then  he,  Ephraim,  would  be  obliged  to  go  with 
him  to  Succoth,  and  the  bright  dreams  and  hopes  which 
yesterday  had  bestowed  and  whose  magical  charms 


JOSHUA.  69 

were  heightened  by  his  fevered  brain,  would  be  lost  to 
him  forever. 

During  the  night  he  had  firmly  resolved  to  enter 
Pharaoh's  army,  that  he  might  remain  near  Tanis  and 
Kasana;  but  though  he  had  only  half  comprehended 
Hosea's  message,  he  could  plainly  discern  that  he 
intended  to  turn  his  back  upon  Egypt  and  his  high 
position  and  meant  to  take  Ephraim  with  him,  should 
he  make  his  escape.  So  he  must  renounce  his  longing 
to  see  Kasana  once  more.  But  this  thought  was  un- 
bearable and  an  inward  voice  whispered  that,  having 
neither  father  nor  mother,  he  was  free  to  act  ac- 
cording to  his  own  will.  His  guardian,  his  dead 
father's  brother,  in  whose  household  he  had  grown  up, 
had  died  not  long  before,  and  no  new  guardian  had 
been  named  because  the  lad  was  now  past  childhood. 
He  was  destined  at  some  future  day  to  be  one  of  the 
chiefs  of  his  proud  tribe  and  until  yesterday  he  had 
desired  no  better  fate. 

He  had  obeyed  the  impulse  of  his  heart  when,  with 
the  pride  of  a  shepherd  prince,  he  had  refused  the 
priest's  suggestion  that  he  should  become  one  of  Pha- 
raoh's soldiers,  but  he  now  told  himself  that  he  had 
been  childish  and  foolish  to  reject  a  thing  of  which  he 
was  ignorant,  nay,  which  had  ever  been  intentionally 
represented  to  him  in  a  false  and  hateful  light  in  order 
to  bind  him  more  firmly  to  his  own  people. 

The  Egyptians  had  always  been  described  as  detest- 
able enemies  and  oppressors,  yet  how  enchanting  every- 
thing seemed  in  the  house  of  the  first  Egyptian  warrior 
he  had  entered. 

And  Kasana! 

What  must  she  think  of  him,  if  he  left  Tanis  with- 
6 


yo  JOSHUA. 

out  a  word  of  greeting,  of  farewell.  Must  it  not  grieve 
and  wound  him  to  remain  in  her  memory  a  clumsy 
peasant  shepherd  ?  Nay,  it  would  be  positively  dis- 
honest not  to  return  the  costly  raiment  she  had  lent 
him.  Gratitude  was  reckoned  among  the  Hebrews  also 
as  the  first  duty  of  noble  hearts.  He  would  be  worthy 
of  hate  his  whole  life  long,  if  he  did  not  seek  her  once 
more! 

But  there  was  need  of  haste.  When  Hosea  re- 
turned, he  must  find  him  ready  for  departure. 

He  at  once  began  to  bind  his  sandals  on  his  feet, 
but  he  did  it  slowly,  and  could  not  understand  why 
the  task  seemed  so  hard  to-day. 

He  passed  through  the  camp  unmolested.  The 
pylons  and  obelisks  before  the  temples,  which  appear- 
ed to  quiver  in  the  heated  air,  marked  the  direction  he 
was  to  pursue,  and  he  soon  reached  the  broad  road 
which  led  to  the  market-place  —  a  panting  merchant 
whose  ass  was  bearing  skins  of  wine  to  the  troops,  told 
him  the  way. 

Dense  clouds  of  dust  lay  on  the  road  and  whirled 
around  him,  the  sun  beat  fiercely  down  on  his  bare 
head,  his  wound  began  to  ache  again,  the  fine  sand 
which  filled  the  air  entered  his  eyes  and  mouth  and  stung 
his  face  and  bare  limbs  like  burning  needles.  He  was 
tortured  by  thirst  and  was  often  compelled  to  stop,  his 
feet  grew  so  heavy.  At  last  he  reached  a  well  dug  for 
travelers  by  a  pious  Egyptian,  and  though  it  was 
adorned  with  the  image  of  a  god  and  Miriam  had 
taught  him  that  this  was  an  abomination  from  which  he 
should  turn  aside,  he  drank  again  and  again,  thinking  he 
had  never  tasted  aught  so  refreshing. 

The  fear  of  losing  consciousness,  as  he  had  done  the 


JOSHUA.  71 

day  before,  passed  away  and,  though  his  feet  were  still 
heavy,  he  walked  rapidly  toward  the  alluring  goal. 
But  soon  his  strength  again  deserted  him,  the  sweat 
poured  from  his  brow,  his  wound  began  to  throb  and 
beat,  and  he  felt  as  though  his  skull  was  compressed  by 
an  iron  circle.  His  keen  eyes,  too,  failed,  for  the 
objects  he  tried  to  see  blended  with  the  dust  of  the 
road,  the  horizon  reeled  up  and  down  before  his  eyes> 
and  he  felt  as  though  the  hard  pavement  had  turned  to 
a  yielding  bog  under  his  feet. 

Yet  he  took  little  heed  of  all  these  things,  for  never 
before  had  such  bright  visions  filled  his  mind.  His 
thoughts  grew  marvellously  vivid,  and  image  after 
image  rose  before  the  wide  eyes  of  his  soul,  not  at  his 
own  behest,  but  as  if  summoned  by  a  secret  will  outside 
of  his  consciousness.  Now  he  fancied  that  he  was  lying 
at  Kasana's  feet,  resting  his  head  on  her  lap  while  he 
gazed  upward  into  her  lovely  face  —  anon  he  saw  Hosea 
standing  before  him  in  his  glittering  armor,  as  he  had 
beheld  him  a  short  time  ago,  only  his  garb  was  still 
more  gorgeous  and,  instead  of  the  dim  light  in  the 
tent,  a  ruddy  glow  like  that  of  fire  surrounded  him. 
Then  the  finest  oxen  and  rams  in  his  herds  passed  before 
him  and  sentences  from  the  messages  he  had  learned 
darted  through  his  mind ;  nay  he  sometimes  imagined 
that  they  were  being  shouted  to  him  aloud.  But  ere  he 
could  grasp  their  import,  some  new  dazzling  vision  or 
loud  rushing  noise  seemed  to  fill  his  mental  eye  and 
ear. 

He  pressed  onward,  staggering  like  a  drunken  man, 
with  drops  of  sweat  standing  on  his  brow  and  with 
parched  mouth.  Sometimes  he  unconsciously  raised 
his  hand  to  wipe  the  dust  from  his  burning  eyes,  but  he 


72  JOSHUA. 

cared  little  that  he  saw  very  indistinctly  what  was  pass- 
ing around  him,  for  there  could  be  nothing  more 
beautiful  than  what  he  beheld  with  his  inward  vision. 

True,  he  was  often  aware  that  he  was  suffering 
intensely,  and  he  longed  to  throw  himself  exhausted  on 
the  ground,  but  a  strange  sense  of  happiness  sustained 
him.  At  last  he  was  seized  with  the  delusion  that  his 
head  was  swelling  and  growing  till  it  attained  the  size 
of  the  head  of  the  colossus  he  had  seen  the  day  before 
in  front  of  a  temple  gate,  then  it  rose  to  the  height  of 
the  palm-trees  by  the  road-side,  and  finally  it  reached 
the  mist  shrouding  the  firmament,  then  far  above  it. 
Then  it  suddenly  seemed  as  though  this  head  of  his  was 
as  large  as  the  whole  world,  and  he  pressed  his  hands 
on  his  temples  to  clasp  his  brow ;  for  his  neck  and 
shoulders  were  too  weak  to  support  the  weight  of  so 
enormous  a  head  and,  mastered  by  this  strange  de- 
lusion, he  shrieked  aloud,  his  shaking  knees  gave  way, 
and  he  fell  unconscious  in  the  dust. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

AT  the  same  hour  a  chamberlain  was  ushering 
Hosea  into  the  audience  chamber. 

Usually  subjects  summoned  to  the  presence  of  the 
king  were  kept  waiting  for  hours,  but  the  Hebrew's 
patience  was  not  tried  long.  During  this  period  of  the 
deepest  mourning  the  spacious  rooms  of  the  palace, 
commonly  tenanted  by  a  gay  and  noisy  multitude,  were 
hushed  to  the  stillness  of  death ;  for  not  only  the  slaves 
and  warders,  but  many  men  and  women  in  close  at- 


JOSHUA.  73 

tendance  on  the  royal  couple  had  fled  from  the  pesti- 
lence, quitting  the  palace  without  leave. 

Here  and  there  a  solitary  priest,  official,  or  courtier 
leaned  against  a  pillar  or  crouched  on  the  floor,  hiding 
his  face  in  his  hands,  while  awaiting  some  order. 
Sentries  paced  to  and  fro  with  lowered  weapons,  lost  in 
melancholy  thoughts.  Now  and  then  a  few  young 
priests  in  mourning  robes  glided  through  the  infected 
rooms,  silently  swinging  silver  censers  which  diftused  a 
pungent  scent  of  resin  and  juniper. 

A  nightmare  seemed  to  weigh  upon  the  palace  and 
its  occupants;  for  in  addition  to  grief  for  their  be- 
loved prince,  which  saddened  many  a  heart,  the  dread 
of  death  and  the  desert  wind  paralyzed  alike  the  energy 
of  mind  and  body. 

Here  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  throne  where, 
in  former  days,  all  eyes  had  sparkled  with  hope,  ambi- 
tion, gratitude,  fear,  loyalty,  or  hate,  Hosea  now 
encountered  only  drooping  heads  and  downcast  looks. 

Ba'i,  the  second  prophet  of  Amon,  alone  seemed 
untouched  alike  by  sorrow,  anxiety,  or  the  enervating 
atmosphere  of  the  day ;  he  greeted  the  warrior  in  the 
ante-room  as  vigorously  and  cheerily  as  ever,  and  as- 
sured him  —  though  in  the  lowest  whisper  —  that  no 
one  thought  of  holding  him  responsible  for  the  mis- 
deeds of  his  people.  But  when  Hosea  volunteered  the 
acknowledgment  that,  at  the  moment  of  his  summons 
to  the  king,  he  had  been  in  the  act  of  going  to  the 
commander-in-chief  to  beg  a  release  from  military 
service,  the  priest  interrupted  him  to  remind  him  of  the 
debt  of  gratitude  he,  Bai,  owed  to  him  as  the  preserver 
of  his  life.  Then  he  added  that  he  would  make  every 
eftort  in  his  power  to  keep  him  in  the  army  and  show 


74  JOSHUA. 

that  the  Egyptians  —  even  against  Pharaoh's  will,  of 
which  he  would  speak  farther  with  him  privately  — 
knew  how  to  honor  genuine  merit  without  distinction 
of  person  or  birth. 

The  Hebrew  had  little  time  to  repeat  his  resolve; 
the  head  chamberlain  interrupted  them  to  lead  Hosea 
into  the  presence  of  the  "  good  god."  * 

The  sovereign  awaited  Hosea  in  the  smaller  audi- 
ence-room adjoining  the  royal  apartments. 

It  was  a  stately  chamber,  and  to-day  looked  more 
spacious  than  when,  as  of  yore,  it  was  filled  with  obse- 
quious throngs.  Only  a  few  courtiers  and  priests, 
with  some  of  the  queen's  ladies-in-waiting,  all  clad  in 
deep  mourning,  stood  in  groups  near  the  throne.  Op- 
posite to  Pharaoh,  squatting  in  a  circle  on  the  floor, 
were  the  king's  councillors  and  interpreters,  each 
adorned  with  an  ostrich  plume. 

All  wore  tokens  of  mourning,  and  the  monotonous, 
piteous  plaint  of  the  wailing  women,  which  ever  and 
anon  rose  into  a  loud,  shrill,  tremulous  shriek,  echoed 
through  the  silent  rooms  within  to  this  hall,  announcing 
that  death  had  claimed  a  victim  even  in  the  royal 
dwelling. 

The  king  and  queen  sat  on  a  gold  and  ivory  couch, 
heavily  draped  with  black.  Instead  of  their  usual 
splendid  attire,  both  wore  dark  robes,  and  the  royal 
consort  and  mother,  who  mourned  her  first-born  son, 
leaned  motionless,  with  drooping  head,  against  her 
kingly  husband's  shoulder. 

Pharaoh,  too,  gazed  fixedly  into  space,  as  though 
lost  in  a  dream.  The  sceptre  had  slipped  from  his 
hand  and  lay  in  his  lap. 

*  Euphemistic  name  of  the  Pharaohs. 


JOSHUA.  75 

The  queen  had  been  torn  away  from  the  corpse  of 
her  son,  which  was  now  delivered  to  the  embalmers, 
and  it  was  not  until  she  reached  the  entrance  of  the 
audience-chamber  that  she  had  succeeded  in  checking 
her  tears.  She  had  no  thought  of  resistance ;  the  inexor- 
able ceremonial  of  court  etiquette  required  the  queen 
to  be  present  at  any  audience  of  importance.  To-day 
she  would  gladly  have  shunned  the  task,  but  Pharaoh 
had  commanded  her  presence,  and  she  knew  and 
approved  the  course  to  be  pursued ;  for  she  was  full  of 
dread  of  the  power  of  the  Hebrew  Mesu,  called  by  his 
own  people  Moses,  and  of  his  God",  who  had  brought 
such  terrible  woe  on  the  Egyptians.  She  had  other 
children  to  lose,  and  she  had  known  Mesu  from 
her  childhood,  and  was  well  aware  how  highly  the 
great  Rameses,  her  husband's  father  and  predecessor, 
had  prized'  the  wisdom  of  this  stranger  who  had  been 
reared  with  his  own  sons. 

Ah,  if  it  were  only  possible  to  conciliate  this  man. 
But  Mesu  had  departed  with  the  Israelites,  and  she 
knew  his  iron  will  and  had  learned  that  the  terrible 
prophet  was  armed,  not  alone  against  Pharaoh's  threats, 
but  also  against  her  own  fervent  entreaties. 

She  was  now  expecting  Hosea.  He,  the  son  of 
Nun,  the  foremost  man  of  all  the  Hebrews  in  Tanis, 
would  succeed,  if  any  one  could,  in  carrying  out  the 
plan  which  she  and  her  royal  husband  deemed  best  for 
all  parties,  —  a  plan  supported  also  by  Rui,  the  hoary 
high-priest  and  first  prophet  of  Amon,  the  head  of  the 
whole  Egyptian  priesthood,  who  held  the  offices  of 
chief  judge,  chief  treasurer,  and  viceroy  of  the  kingdom, 
and  had  followed  the  court  from  Thebes  to  Tanis. 

Ere  going  to  the  audience  hall,  she  had  been  twin- 


f6  JOSHUA. 

ing  wreaths  for  her  loved  dead  and  the  lotus  flowers, 
larkspurs,  mallow  and  willow-leaves,  from  which  she  was 
to  weave  them,  had  been  brought  there  by  her  desire. 
They  were  lying  on  a  small  table  and  in  her  lap ;  but 
she  felt  paralyzed,  and  the  hand  she  stretched  toward 
them  refused  to  obey  her  will. 

Rui,  the  first  prophet  of  Amon,  an  aged  man  long 
past  his  ninetieth  birthday,  squatted  on  a  mat  at  Pha- 
raoh's left  hand.  A  pair  of  bright  eyes,  shaded  by 
bushy  white  brows,  glittered  in  his  brown  face  — 
seamed  and  wrinkled  like  the  bark  of  a  gnarled  oak  — 
like  gay  flowers  amid  withered  leaves,  forming  a  strange 
contrast  to  his  lean,  bowed,  and  shrivelled  form. 

The  old  man  had  long  since  resigned  the  manage- 
ment of  business  affairs  to  the  second  prophet,  Ba'i,  but 
he  held  firmly  to  his  honors,  his  seat  at  Pharaoh's  side, 
and  his  place  in  the  council,  where,  though  he  said 
little,  his  opinion  was  more  frequently  followed  than 
that  of  the  eloquent,  ardent  second  prophet,  who  was 
many  years  his  junior. 

The  old  man  had  not  quitted  Pharaoh's  side  since 
the  plague  entered  the  palace,  yet  to-day  he  felt  more 
vigorous  than  usual ;  the  hot  desert  wind,  which  weak- 
ened others,  refreshed  him.  He  was  constantly  shivering, 
despite  the  panther-skin  which  hung  over  his  back  and 
shoulders,  and  the  heat  of  the  day  warmed  his  chilly 
old  blood. 

Moses,  the  Hebrew,  had  been  his  pupil,  and  never 
had  he  instructed  a  nobler  nature,  a  youth  more  richly 
endowed  with  all  the  gifts  of  intellect.  He  had  initi- 
ated the  Israelite  into  all  the  highest  mysteries,  antici- 
pating the  greatest  results  for  Egypt  and  the  priest- 
hood, and  when  (he  Hebrew  one  day  slew  an  overseer 


JOSHUA.  77 

who  had  mercilessly  beaten  one  of  his  race,  and  then 
fled  into  the  desert,  Rui  had  secretly  mourned  the  evil 
deed  as  if  his  own  son  had  committed  it  and  must 
suffer  the  consequences.  His  intercession  had  secured 
Mesu's  pardon ;  but  when  the  latter  returned  to  Egypt 
and  the  change  had  occurred  which  other  priests  termed 
his  "  apostasy,"  the  old  man  had  grieved  even  more 
keenly  than  over  his  flight.  Had  he,  Rui,  been 
younger,  he  would  have  hated  the  man  who  had  thus 
robbed  him  of  his  fairest  hopes ;  but  the  aged  priest, 
who  read  men's  hearts  like  an  open  book  and  could 
judge  the  souls  of  his  fellow-mortals  with  the  calm 
impartiality  of  an  unclouded  mind,  confessed  that  he 
had  been  to  blame  in  failing  to  foresee  his  pupil's 
change  of  thought. 

Education  and  precept  had  made  Mesu  an  Egyp- 
tian priest  according  to  his  own  heart  and  that  of  the 
divinity ;  but  after  having  once  raised  his  hand  in  the 
defence  of  his  own  people  against  those  to  whom  he 
had  been  bound  only  by  human  craft  and  human  will, 
he  was  lost  to  the  Egyptians  and  became  once  more  a 
true  son  of  his  race.  And  where  this  man  of  the 
strong  will  and  lofty  soul  led  the  way,  others  could  not 
fail  to  follow. 

Rui  knew  likewise  full  well  what  the  renegade 
meant  to  give  to  his  race;  he  had  confessed  it  himself  to 
the  priest  —  faith  in  the  one  God.  Mesu  had  rejected 
the  accusation  of  perjury,  declaring  that  he  would 
never  betray  the  mysteries  to  the  Hebrews,  his  sole  de- 
sire was  to  lead  them  back  to  the  God  whom  they 
had  worshipped  ere  Joseph  and  his  family  came  to 
Egypt.  True,  the  "  One  "  of  the  initiated  resembled  the 
God  of  the  Hebrews  in  many  things,  but  this  very  fact 


78  JOSHUA. 

had  soothed  the  old  sage ;  for  experience  had  taught 
him  that  the  masses  are  not  content  with  a  single  in- 
visible God,  an  idea  which  many,  even  among  the  more 
advanced  of  his  own  pupils  found  difficult  to  compre- 
hend. The  men  and  women  of  the  lower  classes 
needed  visible  symbols  of  every  important  thing  whose 
influence  they  perceived  in  and  around  them,  and  the 
Egyptian  religion  supplied  these  images.  What  could 
an  invisible  creative  power  guiding  the  course  of  the 
universe  be  to  a  love-sick  girl  ?  She  sought  the  friendly 
Hathor,  whose  gentle  hands  held  the  cords  that  bound 
heart  to  heart,  the  beautiful  mighty  representative  of 
her  sex  —  to  her  she  could  trustingly  pour  forth  all  the 
sorrows  that  burdened  her  bosom.  What  was  the 
petty  grief  of  a  mother  who  sought  to  snatch  her  darl- 
ing child  from  death,  to  the  mighty  and  incomprehen- 
sible Deity  who  governed  the  entire  universe  ?  But 
the  good  Isis,  who  herself  had  wept  her  eyes  red  in 
bitter  anguish,  could  understand  her  woe.  And  how 
often  in  Egypt  it  was  the  wife  who  determined  her 
husband's  relations  to  the  gods ! 

Rui  had  frequently  seen  Hebrew  men  and  women 
praying  fervently  in  Egyptian  temples.  Even  if  Mesu 
should  induce  them  to  acknowledge  his  God,  the 
experienced  sage  clearly  foresaw  that  they  would 
speedily  turn  from  the  invisible  Spirit,  who  must  ever 
remain  aloof  and  incomprehensible,  and  return  by  hun- 
dreds to  the  gods  they  understood. 

Now  Egypt  was  threatened  with  the  loss  of  the 
laborers  and  builders  she  so  greatly  needed,  but  Rui 
believed  that  they  might  be  won  back. 

"  When  fair  words  will  answer  our  purpose,  put 
aside  sword  and  bow,"  he  had  replied  to  Ba'i,  who 


JOSHUA.  79 

demanded  that  the  fugitives  should  be  pursued  and 
slain.  "  We  have  already  too  many  corpses  in  our 
country ;  what  we  want  is  workers.  Let  us  hold  fast 
what  we  seem  on  the  verge  of  losing." 

These  mild  words  were  in  full  harmony  with  the 
mood  of  Pharaoh,  who  had  had  sufficient  sorrow,  and 
would  have  thought  it  wiser  to  venture  unarmed  into 
a  lion's  cage  than  to  again  defy  the  wrath  of  the  terri- 
ble Hebrew. 

So  he  had  closed  his  ears  to  the  exhortations  of 
the  second  prophet,  whose  steadfast,  energetic  will 
usually  exercised  all  the  greater  influence  upon  him  on 
account  of  his  own  irresolution,  and  upheld  old  Rui's 
suggestion  that  the  warrior,  Hosea,  should  be  sent 
after  his  people  to  deal  with  them  in  Pharaoh's  name  — 
a  plan  that  soothed  his  mind  and  renewed  his  hopes. 

The  second  prophet,  Bai,  had  finally  assented  to 
the  plan ;  for  it  afforded  a  new  chance  of  undermining 
the  throne  he  intended  to  overthrow.  If  the  Hebrews 
were  once  more  settled  in  the  land,  Prince  Siptah,  who 
regarded  no  punishment  too  severe  for  the  race  he 
hated,  might  perhaps  seize  the  sceptre  of  the  cowardly 
king  Menephtah. 

But  the  fugitives  must  first  be  stopped,  and  Hosea 
was  the  right  man  to  do  this.  But  in  Bai's  eyes  no  one 
would  be  more  able  to  gain  the  confidence  of  an  un- 
suspicious soldier  than  Pharaoh  and  his  royal  consort. 
The  venerable  high-priest  Rui,  though  wholly  unaware 
of  the  conspiracy,  shared  this  opinion,  and  thus  the 
sovereigns  had  been  persuaded  to  interrupt  the  mourn- 
ing for  the  dead  and  speak  in  person  to  the  Hebrew. 

Hosea  had  prostrated  himself  before  the  throne  and, 


8o  JOSHUA. 

when  he  rose,  the  king's  weary  face  was  bent  toward 
him,  sadly,  it  is  true,  yet  graciously. 

According  to  custom,  the  hair  and  beard  of  the 
father  who  had  lost  his  first-born  son  had  been  shaven. 
Formerly  they  had  encircled  his  face  in  a  frame  of 
glossy  black,  but  twenty  years  of  anxious  government 
had  made  them  grey,  and  his  figure,  too,  had  lost  its  erect 
carriage  and  seemed  bent  and  feeble,  though  he  had 
scarcely  passed  his  fifth  decade.  His  regular  features 
were  still  beautiful  in  their  symmetry,  and  there  was 
a  touch  of  pathos  in  their  mournful  gentleness,  so 
evidently  incapable  of  any  firm  resolve,  especially  when 
a  smile  lent  his  mouth  a  bewitching  charm. 

The  languid  indolence  of  his  movements  scarcely 
impaired  the  natural  dignity  of  his  presence,  yet  his 
musical  voice  was  wont  to  have  a  feeble,  beseeching 
tone.  He  was  no  born  ruler;  thirteen  older  brothers 
had  died  ere  the  throne  of  Pharaoh  had  become  his 
heritage,  and  up  to  early  manhood  he  had  led  a  careless, 
joyous  existence  —  as  the  handsomest  youth  in  the  whole 
land,  the  darling  of  women,  the  light-hearted  favorite  of 
fortune.  Then  he  succeeded  his  father  the  great 
Rameses,  but  he  had  scarcely  grasped  the  sceptre  ere 
the  Libyans,  with  numerous  allies,  rebelled  against 
Egypt.  The  trained  troops  and  their  leaders,  who  had 
fought  in  his  predecessor's  wars,  gained  him  victory,  but 
during  the  twenty  years  which  had  now  passed  since 
Rameses'  death,  the  soldiers  had  rarely  had  any  rest. 
Insurrections  constantly  occurred,  sometimes  in  the 
East,  anon  in  the  West  and,  instead  of  living  in  Thebes, 
where  he  had  spent  many  years  of  happiness,  and  fol- 
lowing the  bent  of  his  inclination  by  enjoying  in  the 
splendid  palace  the  blessing  of  peace  and  the  society  of 


JOSHUA.  8 1 

the  famous  scholars  and  poets  who  then  made  that  city 
their  home,  he  was  compelled  sometimes  to  lead  his 
armies  in  the  field,  sometimes  to  live  in  Tanis,  the 
capital  of  Lower  Egypt,  to  settle  the  disturbances  of 
the  border  land. 

This  was  the  desire  of  the  venerable  Rui,  and  the 
king  willingly  followed  his  guidance.  During  the  latter 
years  of  Rameses'  reign,  the  temple  at  Thebes,  and  with 
it  the  chief  priest,  had  risen  to  power  and  wealth  greater 
than  that  possessed  by  royalty  itself,  and  Menephtah's  in- 
dolent nature  was  better  suited  to  be  a  tool  than  a  guid- 
ing hand,  so  long  as  he  received  all  the  external  honors 
due  to  Pharaoh.  These  he  guarded  with  a  determina- 
tion which  he  never  roused  himself  to  display  in 
matters  of  graver  import. 

The  condescending  graciousness  of  Pharaoh's  re- 
ception awakened  feelings  of  mingled  pleasure  and 
distrust  in  Hosea's  mind,  but  he  summoned  courage  to 
frankly  express  his  desire  to  be  relieved  from  his  office 
and  the  oath  he  had  sworn  to  his  sovereign. 

Pharaoh  listened  quietly.  Not  until  Hosea  con- 
fessed that  he  was  induced  to  take  this  step  by  his 
father's  command  did  he  beckon  to  the  high-priest,  who 
began  in  low,  almost  inaudible  tones : 

"  The  son  who  resigns  great  things  to  remain  obedi- 
ent to  his  father  will  be  the  most  loyal  of  the  '  good 
god's  '  servants.  Go,  obey  the  summons  of  Nun.  The 
son  of  the  sun,  the  Lord  of  Upper  and  Lower  Egypt, 
sets  you  free ;  but  through  me,  the  slave  of  his  master, 
he  imposes  one  condition." 

"  What  is  that  ?"  asked  Hosea. 

Pharaoh  signed  to  Rui  a  second  time  and,  as  the 


82  JOSHUA. 

monarch  sank  back  upon  his  throne,  the  old  man,  fixing 
his  keen  eyes  on  Hosea,  replied : 

"  The  demand  which  the  lord  of  both  worlds  makes 
upon  you  by  my  lips  is  easy  to  fulfil.  You  must  return 
to  be  once  more  his  servant  and  one  of  us,  as  soon  as 
your  people  and  their  leader,  who  have  brought  such 
terrible  woe  upon  this  land,  shall  have  clasped  the 
divine  hand  which  the  son  of  the  sun  extends  to  them 
in  reconciliation,  and  shall  have  returned  to  the 
beneficent  shadow  of  his  throne.  He  intends  to  attach 
them  to  his  person  and  his  realm  by  rich  tokens  of  his 
favor,  as  soon  as  they  return  from  the  desert  to  which 
they  have  gone  forth  to  sacrifice  to  their  God.  Un- 
derstand me  fully !  All  the  burdens  which  have 
oppressed  the  people  of  your  race  shall  be  removed. 
The  '  great  god '  will  secure  to  them,  by  a  new  law,  privi- 
leges and  great  freedom,  and  whatever  we  promise  shall 
be  written  down  and  witnessed  on  our  part  and  yours 
as  a  new  and  valid  covenant  binding  on  our  children 
and  our  children's  children.  When  such  a  compact 
has  been  made  with  an  honest  purpose  on  our  part  to 
keep  it  for  all  time,  and  your  tribes  have  consented  to 
accept  it,  will  you  promise  that  you  will  then  be  one  of 
us  again  ?" 

"  Accept  the  office  of  mediator,  Hosea,"  the  queen 
here  interrupted  in  a  low  tone,  with  her  sorrowful  eyes 
fixed  imploringly  on  Hosea's  face.  "  I  dread  the  fury  of 
Mesu,  and  everything  in  our  power  shall  be  done  to 
regain  his  old  friendship.  Mention  my  name  and 
recall  the  time  when  he  taught  little  Isisnefert  the 
names  of  the  plants  she  brought  to  him  and  explained 
to  her  and  her  sister  their  beneficial  or  their  harmful 
qualities,  during  his  visits  to  the  queen,  his  second 


JOSHUA.  83 

mother,  in  the  women's  apartments.  The  wounds  he 
has  dealt  our  hearts  shall  be  pardoned  and  forgotten. 
Be  our  envoy.  Hosea,  do  not  deny  us." 

"Such  words  from  royal  lips  are  a  strict  mandate," 
replied  the  Hebrew.  "  And  yet  they  make  the  heart 
rejoice.  I  will  accept  the  office  of  mediator." 

The  hoary  high-priest  nodded  approvingly,  ex- 
claiming : 

"  I  hope  a  long  period  of  blessing  may  arise  from 
this  brief  hour.  But  note  this.  Where  potions  can  aid, 
surgery  must  be  shunned.  Where  a  bridge  spans  the 
stream,  beware  of  swimming  through  the  whirlpool." 

"  Yes,  by  all  means  shun  the  whirlpool,"  Pharaoh 
repeated,  and  the  queen  uttered  the  same  words,  then 
once  more  bent  her  eyes  on  the  flowers  in  her  lap. 

A  council  now  began. 

Three  private  scribes  took  seats  on  the  floor  close  by 
Rui,  in  order  to  catch  his  low  tones,  and  the  scribes 
and  councillors  in  the  circle  before  the  throne  seized 
their  writing-materials  and,  holding  the  papyrus  in  their 
left  hands,  wrote  with  reed  or  brush  ;  for  nothing  which 
was  debated  and  determined  in  Pharaoh's  presence  was 
suffered  to  be  left  unrecorded. 

During  the  continuance  of  this  debate  no  voice  in 
the  audience  chamber  was  raised  above  a  whisper;  the 
courtiers  and  guards  stood  motionless  at  their  posts, 
and  the  royal  pair  gazed  mutely  into  vacancy  as  though 
lost  in  reverie. 

Neither  Pharaoh  nor  his  queen  could  possibly  have 
heard  the  muttered  conversation  between  the  men ; 
yet  the  Egyptians,  at  the  close  of  every  sentence, 
glanced  upward  at  the  king  as  if  to  ensure  his  approba- 
tion. Hosea,  to  whom  the  custom  was  perfectly 


84  JOSHUA. 

familiar,  did  the  same  and,  like  the  rest,  lowered  his 
tones.  Whenever  the  voices  of  Bai  or  of  the  chief  of 
the  scribes  waxed  somewhat  louder,  Pharaoh  raised  his 
head  and  repeated  the  words  of  Rui :  "  Where  a 
bridge  spans  the  stream,  beware  of  swimming  through 
the  whirlpool ;  "  for  this  saying  precisely  expressed  his 
own  desires  and  those  of  the  queen.  No  strife !  Let 
us  live  at  peace  with  the  Hebrews,  and  escape  from  the 
anger  of  their  awful  leader  and  his  God,  without  losing 
the  thousands  of  industrious  workers  in  the  departed 
tribes. 

So  the  discussion  went  on,  and  when  the  murmuring 
of  the  debaters  and  the  scratching  of  the  scribes'  reeds 
had  continued  at  least  an  hour  the  queen  remained  in 
the  same  position;  but  Pharaoh  began  to  move  and 
lift  up  his  voice,  fearing  that  the  second  prophet,  who 
had  detested  the  man  whose  benedictions  he  had 
implored  and  whose  enmity  seemed  so  terrible,  was  im- 
posing on  the  mediator  requirements  impossible  to 
fulfil. 

Yet  he  said  nothing  save  to  repeat  the  warning  about 
the  bridge,  but  his  questioning  look  caused  the  chief 
of  the  scribes  to  soothe  him  with  the  assurance  that 
everything  was  progressing  as  well  as  possible.  Hosea 
had  only  requested  that,  in  future,  the  overseers  of  the 
workmen  should  not  be  of  Libyan  birth,  but  Hebrews 
themselves,  chosen  by  the  elders  of  their  tribes  with 
the  approval  of  the  Egyptian  government. 

Pharaoh  cast  a  glance  of  imploring  anxiety  at  Bai, 
the  second  prophet,  and  the  other  councillors ;  but 
the  former  shrugged  his  shoulders  deprecatingly  and, 
pretending  to  yield  his  own  opinion  to  the  divine 
wisdom  of  Pharaoh,  acceded  to  Hosea's  request. 


JOSHUA.  85 

The  divinity  on  the  throne  of  the  world  accepted, 
with  a  grateful  bend  of  the  head,  this  concession  from 
a  man  whose  wishes  had  so  often  opposed  his  own,  and 
after  the  "  repeater  "  or  herald  had  read  aloud  all  the 
separate  conditions  of  the  agreement,  Hosea  was  forced 
to  make  a  solemn  vow  to  return  in  any  case  to  Tanis, 
and  report  to  the  Sublime  Porte  how  his  people  had 
received  the  king's  proposals. 

But  the  wary  chief,  versed  in  the  wiles  and  tricks 
with  which  the  government  was  but  too  well  sup- 
plied, uttered  the  vow  with  great  reluctance,  and 
only  after  he  had  received  a  written  assurance  that, 
whatever  might  be  the  result  of  the  negotiations, 
his  liberty  should  not  be  restricted  in  any  respect, 
after  he  had  proved  that  he  had  used  his  utmost 
efforts  to  induce  the  leader  of  the  Hebrews  to  accept 
the  compact. 

At  last  Pharaoh  extended  his  hand  for  the  warrior 
to  kiss,  and  when  the  latter  had  also  pressed  his  lips  to 
the  edge  of  the  queen's  garments,  Rui  signed  to  the 
head-chamberlain,  who  made  obeisance  to  Pharaoh, 
and  the  sovereign  knew  that  the  hour  had  come  when 
he  might  retire.  He  did  so  gladly  and  with  a  lighter 
heart ;  for  he  believed  that  he  had  done  his  best  to 
secure  his  own  welfare  and  that  of  his  people. 

A  sunny  expression  flitted  across  his  handsome, 
worn  features,  and  when  the  queen  also  rose  and  saw  his 
smile  of  satisfaction  it  was  reflected  on  her  face.  Pha- 
raoh uttered  a  sigh  of  relief  as  he  crossed  the  threshold 
of  the  audience  chamber  and,  accosting  his  wife,  said : 

"  If  Hosea  wins  his  cause,  we  shall  cross  the  bridge 
safely." 

7 


86  JOSHUA. 

"  And  need  not  swim  through  the  whirlpool,"  the 
queen  answered  in  the  same  tone. 

"And  if  the  chief  succeeds  in  soothing  Mesu,  and 
induces  the  Hebrews  to  stay  in  the  land,"  Pharaoh 
added : 

"Then  you  will  enrol  this  Hosea  —  he  looks  noble 
and  upright  —  among  the  kindred  of  the  king,"  Isisne- 
fert  interrupted 

But  upon  this  Pharaoh  drew  up  his  languid,  droop- 
ing figure,  exclaiming  eagerly : 

"  How  can  I  ?  A  Hebrew !  Were  we  to  admit 
him  among  the  '  friends  '  or  '  fan-bearers  '  it  would  be 
the  highest  favor  we  could  bestow !  It  is  no  easy 
matter  in  such  a  case  to  choose  between  too  great  or 
too  small  a  recompense." 

The  farther  the  royal  pair  advanced  toward  the  in- 
terior of  the  palace,  the  louder  rose  the  wailing  voices 
of  the  mourning  women.  Tears  once  more  filled  the 
eyes  of  the  queen ;  but  Pharaoh  continued  to  ponder 
over  what  office  at  court  he  could  bestow  on  Hosea, 
should  his  mission  prove  successful. 


CHAPTER  X. 

HOSEA  was  forced  to  hurry  in  order  to  overtake  the 
tribes  in  time;  for  the  farther  they  proceeded,  the 
harder  it  would  be  to  induce  Moses  and  the  leaders  of 
the  people  to  return  and  accept  the  treaty. 

The  events  which  had  befallen  him  that  morning 
seemed  so  strange  that  he  regarded  them  as  a  dispensa- 
tion of  the  God  whom  he  had  found  again  ;  he  recol- 


JOSHUA.  87 

lected,  too,  that  the  name  "  Joshua "  "  he  who  helps 
Jehovah  "  had  been  received  through  Miriam's  message. 
He  would  gladly  bear  it ;  for  though  it  was  no  easy 
matter  to  resign  the  name  for  which  he  had  won  renown, 
still  many  of  his  comrades  had  done  likewise.  His  new 
one  was  attesting  its  truth  grandly;  never  had  God's 
help  been  more  manifest  to  him  than  this  morning.  He 
had  entered  Pharaoh's  palace  expecting  to  be  imprisoned 
or  delivered  over  to  the  executioner,  as  soon  as  he  in- 
sisted upon  following  his  people,  and  how  speedily  the 
bonds  that  held  him  in  the  Egyptian  army  had  been 
sundered.  And  he  had  been  appointed  to  discharge  a 
task  which  seemed  in  his  eyes  so  grand,  so  lofty,  that  he 
was  on  the  point  of  believing  that  the  God  of  his 
fathers  had  summoned  him  to  perform  it. 

He  loved  Egypt.  It  was  a  fair  country.  Where 
could  his  people  find  a  more  delightful  home  ?  It 
was  only  the  circumstances  under  which  they  had 
lived  there  which  had  been  intolerable.  Happier  times 
were  now  in  store.  The  tribes  were  given  the  choice 
between  returning  to  Goshen,  or  settling  on  the  lake 
land  west  of  the  Nile,  with  whose  fertility  and  ample 
supply  of  water  he  was  well  acquainted.  No  one 
would  have  a  right  to  reduce  them  to  bondage,  and 
whoever  gave  his  labor  to  the  service  of  the  state 
was  to  have  for  overseer  no  stern  and  cruel  foreigner, 
but  a  man  of  his  own  blood. 

True,  he  knew  that  the  Hebrews  must  remain 
under  subjection  to  Pharaoh.  But  had  not  Joseph, 
Ephraim,  and  his  sons,  Hosea's  ancestors,  been  called 
his  subjects  and  lived  content  to  be  numbered  among 
the  Egyptians. 

If  the  covenant  was  made,  the  elders  of  the  tribes 


88  JOSHUA. 

were  to  direct  the  private  concerns  of  the  people. 
Spite  of  Bai's  opposition,  Moses  had  been  named  regent 
of  the  new  territory,  while  he,  Hosea,  himself  was  to  com- 
mand the  soldiers  who  would  defend  the  frontiers,  and 
marshal  fresh  troops  from  the  Israelite  mercenaries,  who 
had  already  borne  themselves  valiantly  in  many  a  fray. 
Ere"  he  had  quitted  the  palace,  Bai  had  made  various 
mysterious  allusions,  which  though  vague  in  purport, 
betrayed  that  the  priest  was  cherishing  important  plans 
and,  as  soon  as  the  guidance  of  the  government  passed 
from  old  Rui's  hands  into  his,  a  high  position,  perhaps 
the  command  of  the  whole  army,  now  led  by  a  Syrian 
named  Aarsu,  would  be  conferred  on  him,  Hosea. 

But  this  prospect  caused  him  more  anxiety  than 
pleasure,  though  great  was  his  satisfaction  at  having 
gained  the  concession  that  every  third  year  the  eastern 
frontiers  of  the  country  should  be  thrown  open  to  his 
people,  that  they  might  go  to  the  desert  and  there 
offer  sacrifices  to  their  God.  Moses  had  seemed  to 
lay  the  utmost  stress  upon  this  privilege,  and  according 
to  the  existing  law,  no  one  was  permitted  to  cross  the 
narrow  fortified  frontier  on  the  east  without  the  per- 
mission of  the  government.  Perhaps  granting  this 
desire  of  the  mighty  leader  might  win  him  to  accept  a 
compact  so  desirable  for  his  nation. 

During  these  negotiations  Hosea  had  again  realized 
his  estrangement  from  his  people,  he  was  not  even 
aware 'for  what  purpose  the  sacrifice  in  the  desert  was 
offered.  He  also  frankly  acknowledged  to  Pharaoh's 
councillors  that  he  knew  neither  the  grievances  nor  the 
requirements  of  the  tribes,  a  course  he  pursued  to 
secure  to  the  Hebrews  the  right  of  changing  or  re- 
vising in  any  respect  the  offers  he  was  to  convey. 


JOSHUA.  89 

What  better  proposals  could  they  or  their  leader 
desire  ? 

The  future  was  full  of  fresh  hopes  of  happiness  for 
his  people  and  himself.  If  the  compact  was  made,  the 
time  had  arrived  for  him  to  establish  a  home  of  his  own, 
and  Miriam's  image  again  appeared  in  all  its  loftiness 
and  beauty.  The  thought  of  gaining  this  splendid 
maiden  was  fairly  intoxicating,  and  he  wondered 
whether  he  was  worthy  of  her,  and  if  it  would  not  be 
presumptuous  to  aspire  to  the  hand  of  the  divinely- 
inspired,  majestic  virgin  and  prophetess.  • 

He  was  experienced  in  the  affairs  of  life  and  knew 
full  well  how  little  reliance  could  be  placed  upon  the 
promises  of  the  vacillating  man,  who  found  the  sceptre 
too  heavy  for  his  feeble  hand.  But  he  had  exercised 
caution  and,  if  the  elders  of  the  people  could  but  be 
won  over,  the  agreement  would  be  inscribed  on  metal 
tables,  sentence  by  sentence,  and  hung  in  the  temple  at 
Thebes,  with  the  signatures  of  Pharaoh  and"  the  envoys 
of  the  Hebrews,  like  every  other  binding  agreement  be- 
tween Egypt  and  a  foreign  nation.  Such  documents  — 
he  had  learned  this  from  the  treaty  of  peace  concluded 
with  the  Cheta  —  assured  and  lengthened  the  brief 
"  eternity  "  of  national  covenants.  He  had  certainly 
neglected  no  precaution  to  secure  his  people  from 
treachery  and  perjury.  Never  had  he  felt  more  vigor- 
ous, more  confident,  more  joyous  than  when  he  again 
entered  Pharaoh's  chariot  to  take  leave  of  his  subor- 
dinates. Ba'i's  mysterious  hints  and  suggestions  troubled 
him  very  little;  he  was  accustomed  to  leave  future 
anxieties  to  be  cared  for  in  the  future.  But  at  the 
camp  he  encountered  a  grief  which  belonged  to  the 
present;  surprised,  angry,  and  troubled,  he  learned  that 


90  JOSHUA. 

Ephraim  had  secretly  left  the  tent,  telling  no  one 
whither  he  was  going.  A  hurried  investigation  drew 
out  the  information  that  the  youth  had  been  seen  on 
the  road  to  Tanis,  and  Hosea  hastily  bade  his  trusty 
shield-bearer  search  the  city  for 'the  youth  and,  if  he 
found  him,  to  order  him  to  follow  his  uncle  to  Succoth. 

After  the  chief  had  said  farewell  to  his  men,  he  set 
off,  attended  only  by  his  old  groom.  He  was  pleased 
to  have  the  adone  *  and  subaltern  officers  who  had  been 
with  him,  the  stern  warriors,  with  whom  he  had  shaied 
everything  in  war  and  peace,  in  want  and  privation, 
show  so  plainly  the  pain  of  parting.  Tears  streamed 
down  the  bronzed  cheeks  of  many  a  man  who  had  grown 
grey  in  warfare,  as  he  clasped  his  hand  for  the  last  time. 
Many  a  bearded  lip  was  pressed  to  the  hem  of  his  robe, 
to  his  feet,  and  to  the  sleek  skin  of  the  noble  Libyan 
steed  which,  pressing  forward  with  arching  neck  only  to 
be  curbed  by  its  rider's  strength,  bore  him  through  the 
ranks.  For  the  first  time  since  his  mother's  death  his 
own  eyes  grew  dim,  as  shouts  of  farewell  rang  warmly 
and  loudly  from  the  manly  breasts  of  his  soldiers. 

Never  before  had  he  so  deeply  realized  how  firmly 
he  was  bound  to  these  men,  and  how  he  loved  his 
noble  profession. 

Yet  the  duty  he  was  now  fulfilling  was  also  great 
and  glorious,  and  the  God  who  had  absolved  him 
from  his  oath  and  smoothed  the  way  for  him  to  obey 
his  father's  commands  as  a  true  and  upright  man,  would 
perhaps  bring  him  back  to  his  comrades  in  arms,  whose 
cordial  farewell  he  still  fancied  he  heard  long  after  he 
was  out  of  reach  of  their  voices. 

*  Corresponding  to  the  rank  of  adjutant. 


JOSHUA.  91 

The  greatness  of  the  work  assigned  to  him,  the 
enthusiasm  of  a  man  who  devotes  himself  with  devout 
earnestness  to  the  performance  of  a  difficult  task,  the 
rapturous  joy  of  the  lover,  who  with  well-founded  hopes 
of  the  fulfilment  of  the  purest  and  fairest  desires  of 
his  heart,  hastens  to  meet  the  woman  of  his  choice,  first 
dawned  upon  him  when  he  had  left  the  city  behind  and 
was  dashing  at  a  rapid  trot  toward  the  south-east 
across  the  flat,  well-watered  plain  with  its  wealth  of 
palm-groves. 

While  forcing  his  steed  to  a  slower  pace  as  he 
passed  through  the  streets  of  the  capital,  and  the  re- 
gion near  the  harbor,  his  mind  was  so  engrossed  by  his 
recent  experiences  and  his  anxiety  concerning  the 
runaway  youth,  that  he  paid  little  attention  to  the  throng 
of  vessels  lying  at  anchor,  the  motley  crowd  of  ship 
owners,  traders,  sailors,  and  laborers,  representatives  of 
all  the  nations  of  Africa  and  .Asia,  who  sought  a  liveli- 
hood here,  and  the  officials,  soldiers,  and  petitioners, 
who  had  followed  Pharaoh  from  Thebes  to  the  city  of 
Rameses. 

He  had  even  failed  to  see  two  men  of  high  rank, 
though  one,  Hornecht,  the  captain  of  the  archers,  had 
waved  his  hand  to  him. 

They  had  retired  into  the  deep  gateway  formed  by 
the  pylons  at  the  entrance  of  the  temple  of  Seth,  to 
escape  the  clouds  of  dust  which  the  desert  wind  was 
still  blowing  along  the  road. 

While  Hornecht  was  vainly  trying  to  arrest  the 
horseman's  attention,  his  companion,  Bai,  the  second 
prophet  of  Amon,  whispered :  "  Let  him  go  !  He  will 
learn  where  his  nephew  is  soon  enough." 

"As  you   desire,"    replied    the   soldier.     Then   he 


92  JOSHUA. 

eagerly  continued  the  story  he  had  just  begun.  "  When 
they  brought  the  lad  in,  he  looked  like  a  piece  of  clay  in 
the  potter's  workshop." 

"  No  wonder,"  replied  the  priest ;  "  he  had  lain  long 
enough  in  the  road  in  the  dust  of  Typhon.  But  what 
was  your  steward  seeking  among  the  soldiers  ?" 

"  We  had  heard  from  my  adon,  whom  I  sent  to  the 
camp  last  evening,  that  the  poor  youth  was  attacked  by 
a  severe  fever,  so  Kasana  put  up  some  wine  and  her 
nurse's  balsam,  and  dispatched  the  old  creature  with 
them  to  the  camp." 

"  To  the  youth  or  to  Hosea  ?"  asked  the  prophet 
with  a  mischievous  smile. 

"  To  the  sufferer,"  replied  Hornecht  positively,  a 
frown  darkening  his  brow.  But,  restraining  himself,  he 
added  as  if  apologizing :  "  Her  heart  is  as  soft  as  wax, 
and  the  Hebrew  youth  —  you  saw  him  yesterday.  .  .  ." 

"  Is  a  splendid  lad,  just  fitted  to  win  a  woman's 
heart !"  replied  the  priest  laughing.  "  Besides,  who- 
ever shows  kindness  to  the  nephew  does  not  harm  the 
uncle." 

"  That  was  not  in  her  mind,"  replied  Hornecht 
bluntly.  "  But  the  invisible  God  of  the  Hebrews  is  not 
less  watchful  of  his  children  than  the  Immortals  whom 
you  serve;  for  he  led  Hotepu  to  the  youth  just  as  he 
was  at  the  point  of  death.  The  dreamer  would  un- 
doubtedly have  ridden  past  him;  for  the  dust  had 
already  .  .  .  ." 

"  Transformed  him  into  a  bit  of  potter's  clay.  But 
then  ?" 

"  Then  the  old  man  suddenly  saw  a  glint  of  gold  in 
the  dusty  heap." 

"  And  the  stiffest  neck  will  stoop  for  that." 


JOSHUA.  93 

"  Quite  true.  My  Hotepu  did  so,  and  the  broad 
gold  circlet  the  lad  wore  flashed  in  the  sunlight  and 
preserved  his  life  a  second  time." 

"  The  luckiest  thii%  is  that  we  have  the  lad  in  our 
possession." 

"  Yes,  I  was  rejoiced  to  have  him  open  his  eyes 
once  more.  Then  his  recovery  grew  more  and  more 
rapid ;  the  doctor  says  he  is  like  a  kitten,  and  all  these 
mishaps  will  not  cost  him  his  life.  But  he  is  in  a 
violent  fever,  and  in  his  delirium  says  all  sorts  of  sense- 
less things,  which  even  my  daughter's  nurse,  a  native  of 
Ascalon,  cannot  clearly  comprehend.  Only  she  thought 
she  caught  Kasana's  name." 

"  So  it  is  once  more  a  woman  who  is  the  source  of 
the  trouble." 

"  Stop  these  jests,  holy  father,"  replied  Hornecht, 
biting  his  lips.  "  A  modest  widow,  and  that  boy  with 
the  down  still  on  his  lips." 

"  At  his  age,"  replied  the  unabashed  priest,  "  full- 
blown roses  have  a  stronger  attraction  for  young  beetles 
than  do  buds ;  and  in  this  instance,"  he  added  more 
gravely,  "  it  is  a  most  fortunate  accident.  We  have 
Hosea's  nephew  in  the  snare,  and  it  will  be  your  part 
not  to  let  him  escape." 

"  Do  you  mean  that  we  are  to  deprive  him  of  his 
liberty  ?"  cried  the  warrior. 

"  Even  so." 

"  Yet  you  value  his  uncle  ?" 

"  Certainly.     But  the  state  has  a  higher  claim." 

"  This  boy.  .  .  ." 

"  Is  a  desirable  hostage.  Hosea's  sword  was  an  ex- 
tremely useful  tool  to  us;  but  if  the  hand  that  guides  it 


94  JOSHUA. 

is  directed  by  the  man  whose  power  over  greater 
things  we  know  .  .  .  ." 

"  You  mean  the  Hebrew,  Mesu  ?" 

"  Then  Hosea  will  deal  us  wounds  as  deep  as  those 
he  erst  inflicted  on  our  foes." 

"  Yet  I  have  heard  you  say  more  than  once  that  he 
was  incapable  of  perjury." 

"  And  so  1  say  still,  he  has  given  wonderful  proof 
of  it  to-day.  Merely  for  the  sake  of  being  released 
from  his  oath,  he  thrust  his  head  into  the  crocodile's 
jaws.  But  though  the  son  of  Nun  is  a  lion,  he  will  find 
his  master  in  Mesu.  That  man  is  the  mortal  foe  of  the 
Egyptians,  the  bare  thought  of  him  stirs  my  gall." 

"  The  cries  of  the  wailing  women  behind  this  door 
admonish  us  loudly  enough  to  hate  him." 

"  Yet  the  weakling  on  the  throne  has  forgotten 
vengeance,  and  is  now  sending  Hosea  on  an  errand  of 
reconciliation." 

"  With  your  sanction,  I  think  ?" 

"  Ay,"  replied  the  priest  with  a  mocking  smile. 
"  We  send  him  to  build  a  bridge  !  Oh,  this  bridge !  A 
grey-beard's  withered  brain  recommends  it  to  be  thrown 
across  the  stream,  and  the  idea  just  suits  this  pitiful 
son  of  a  great  father,  who  would  certainly  never  have 
shunned  swimming  through  the  wildest  whirlpool, 
especially  when  revenge  was  to  be  sought.  Let  Hosea 
essay  the  bridge  !  If  it  leads  him  back  across  the 
stream  to  us,  I  will  offer  him  a  right  warm  and  cordial 
welcome ;  but  as  soon  as  this  one  man  stands  on  our 
shores,  may  its  supports  sink  under  the  leaders  of  his 
people ;  we,  the  only  brave  souls  in  Egypt,  must  see  to 
that." 


JOSHUA.  95 

"  So  be  it.  Yet  I  fear  we  shall  lose  the  chief,  too, 
if  justice  overtakes  his  people." 

"  It  might  almost  seem  so." 

"  You  have  greater  wisdom  than  I." 

"  Yet  here  you  believe  me  in  error." 

"  How  could  I  venture  to  ...  ." 

"  As  a  member  of  the  military  council  you  are  en- 
titled to  your  own  opinion,  and  I  consider  myself  bound 
to  show  you  the  end  of  the  path  along  which  you  have 
hitherto  followed  us  with  blindfold  eyes.  So  listen,  and 
judge  accordingly  when  your  turn  comes  to  speak  in 
the  council.  The  chief-priest  Rui  is  old  .  .  .  ." 

"  And  you  now  fill  half  his  offices." 

"  Would  that  he  might  soon  be  relieved  of  the  last 
half  of  his  burden.  Not  on  my  own  account.  I  love 
strife,  but  for  the  welfare  of  our  native  land.  It  is  a 
deep-seated  feeling  of  our  natures  to  regard  the  utter- 
ances and  mandates  of  age  as  wisdom,  so  there  are  few 
among  the  councillors  who  do  not  follow  the  old  man's 
opinions ;  yet  his  policy  limps  on  crutches,  like  himself. 
All  good  projects  are  swamped  under  his  weak,  faint- 
hearted guidance." 

"  That  is  the  very  reason  my  vote  is  at  your  dis- 
posal," cried  the  warrior.  "  That  is  why  I  am  ready  to 
use  all  my  might  to  hurl  this  sleeper  from  the  throne 
and  get  rid  of  his  foolish  advisers." 

The  prophet  laid  his  finger  on  his  lips  to  warn  his 
companion  to  be  more  cautious,  drew  nearer  to  him, 
pointed  to  his  litter,  and  said  in  a  low,  hurried  tone  : 

"  I  am  expected  at  the  Sublime  Porte,  so  listen.  If 
Hosea's  mission  is  successful  his  people  will  return  — 
the  guilty  with  the  innocent  —  and  the  latter  will 
suffer.  Among  the  former  we  can  include  the  whole  of 


96  JOSHUA. 

Hosea's  tribe,  who  call  themselves  the  sons  of  Ephraim, 
from  old  Nun  down  to  the  youth  in  your  dwelling." 

"  We  may  spare  them ;  but  Mesu,  too,  is  a  Hebrew, 
and  what  we  do  to  him.  .  .  ." 

"  Will  not  occur  in  the  public  street,  and  it  is  child's 
play  to  sow  enmity  between  two  men  who  desire  to  rule 
in  the  same  sphere.  I  will  make  sure  that  Hosea  shall 
shut  his  eyes  to  the  other's  death  ;  but  Pharaoh,  whether 
his  name  is  Meneptah  or" — he  lowered  his  voice  — 
"  Siptah,  must  then  raise  him  to  so  great  a  height  — 
and  he  merits  it  —  that  his  giddy  eyes  will  never  discern 
aught  we  desire  to  conceal.  There  is  one  dish  that 
never  palls  on  any  man  who  has  once  tasted  it." 

"  And  what  is  that  ?" 

"  Power,  Hornecht  —  mighty  power !  As  ruler  of  a 
whole  province,  commander  of  all  the  mercenaries  in 
Aarsu's  stead,  he  will  take  care  not  to  break  with  us. 
I  know  him.  If  I  can  succeed  in  making  him  believe 
Mesu  has  wronged  him  —  and  the  imperious  man  will 
afford  some  pretext  for  it — and  can  bring  him  to 
the  conviction  that  the  law  directs  the  punishment 
we  mete  out  to  the  sorcerer  and  the  worst  of  his 
adherents,  he  will  not  only  assent  but  approve  it." 

"  And  if  he  fails  in  his  mission  ?" 

"  He  will  return  at  any  rate ;  for  he  would  not  be 
false  to  his  oath.  But  if  Mesu,  from  whom  we  may 
expect  anything,  should  detain  him  by  force,  the  boy 
will  be  of  service  to  us ;  for  Hosea  loves  him,  his  people 
value  his  life,  and  he  belongs  to  one  of  their  noblest 
tribes.  In  any  case  Pharaoh  must  threaten  the  lad  ; 
we  will  guard  him,  and  that  will  unite  his  uncle  to  us 
by  fresh  ties  and  lead  him  to  join  those  who  are  angry 
with  the  king." 


JOSHUA.  97 

"  Excellent !" 

"  The  surest  way  to  attain  our  object  will  be  by 
forging  still  another  chain.  In  short  —  now  I  beg  you 
to  be  quiet,  your  temper  is  far  too  hot  for  your  grey 
hairs  —  in  short,  our  Hebrew  brother-in-arms,  the 
saviour  of  my  life,  the  ablest  man  in  the  army,  who  is 
certain  to  win  the  highest  place,  must  be  your  son-in- 
law.  Kasana's  heart  is  his  —  my  wife  has  told  me  so." 

Hornecht  frowned  again,  and  struggled  painfully  to 
control  his  anger.  He  perceived  that  he  must  over- 
come his  objection  to  giving  his  daughter  to  the  man 
whose  birth  he  scorned,  much  as  he  liked  and  esteemed 
his  character.  He  could  not  refrain  from  uttering  an 
oath  under  his  breath,  but  his  answer  to  the  prophet 
was  more  calm  and  sensible  than  the  latter  had  an- 
ticipated. If  Kasana  was  so  possessed  by  demons  that 
this  stranger  infatuated  her,  let  her  have  her  wiK.  But 
Hosea  had  not  yet  sued  for  her. 

"  By  the  red  god  Seth,  and  his  seventy  companions," 
he  added  wrathfully,  "  neither  you,  nor  any  one  shall 
induce  me  to  offer  my  daughter,  who  has  twenty  suitors, 
to  a  man  who  terms  himself  our  friend,  yet  finds  no 
leisure  to  greet  us  in  our  own  house !  To  keep  fast 
hold  of  the  lad  is  another  thing,  I  will  see  to  that." 


CHAPTER  XL 

THE  midnight  heavens,  decked  with  countless  stars, 
spanned  with  their  cloudless  azure  vault  the  flat  plains 
of  the  eastern  Delta  and  the  city  of  Succoth,  called  by 


98  JOSHUA. 

the  Egyptians,  from  their  sanctuary,  the  place  of  the 
god  Turn,  or  Pithom. 

The  March  night  was  drawing  toward  its  end,  pal- 
lid mists  floated  over  the  canal,  the  work  of  Hebrew 
bondmen  which,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  inter- 
sected the  plain,  watering  the  fields  and  pastures  along 
its  course. 

Eastward  and  southward  the  sky  was  shrouded  by 
dense  veils  of  mist  that  rose  from  the  large  lakes  and 
from  the  narrow  estuaries  that  ran  far  up  into  the  isth- 
mus. The  hot  and  dusty  desert  wind,  which  the  day 
before  had  swept  over  the  parched  grass  and  the  tents 
and  houses  of  Succoth,  had  subsided  at  nightfall;  and 
the  cool  atmosphere  which  in  March,  even  in  Egypt, 
precedes  the  approach  of  dawn,  made  itself  felt. 

Whoever  had  formerly  entered,  between  midnight 
and  morning,  the  humble  frontier  hamlet  with  its  shep- 
herd tents,  wretched  hovels  of  Nile  mud,  and  by  no 
means  handsome  farms  and  dwellings,  would  scarcely 
have  recognized  it  now.  Even  the  one  noticeable  build- 
ing in  the  place  —  besides  the  stately  temple  of  the  sun- 
god  Turn  —  the  large  fortified  store-house,  presented  at 
this  hour  an  unfamiliar  aspect.  Its  long  white-washed 
walls,  it  is  true,  glimmered  through  the  gloom  as  dis- 
tinctly as  ever,  but  instead  of  towering  —  as  usual  at  this 
time  —  mute  and  lifeless  above  the  slumbering  town  — 
the  most  active  bustle  was  going  on  within  and  around 
it.  It  was  intended  also  as  a  defense  against  the  preda- 
tory hordes  of  the  Shasu,*  who  had  made  a  circuit  around 
the  fortified  works  on  the  isthmus,  and  its  indestructible 
walls  contained  an  Egyptian  garrison,  who  could  easily 

*  Bedouins,  who  dwelt  as  nomads  in  the  desert  adjacent  to  Egypt, 
now  regarded  as  part  of  Asia. 


JOSHUA.  99 

defend  it  against  a  force  greatly  superior  in  num- 
bers. 

To-day  it  looked  as  if  the  sons  of  the  desert  had 
assailed  it ;  but  the  men  and  women  who  were  bustling 
about  below  and  on  the  broad  parapet  of  the  gigantic 
building  were  Hebrews,  not  Shasu.  With  loud  out- 
cries and  gesticulations  of  delight  they  were  seizing 
the  thousands  of  measures  of  wheat,  barley,  rye,  and 
durra,  the  stores  of  pulse,  dates,  and  onions  they  found 
in  the  welt-filled  granaries,  and  even  before  sunset  had 
begun  to  empty  the  store-rooms  and  put  their  contents 
into  sacks,  pails,  and  skins,  trays,  jugs,  and  aprons, 
which  were  let  down  by  ropes  or  carried  to  the  ground 
on  ladders. 

The  better  classes  took  no  share  in  this  work,  but 
among  the  busy  throng,  spite  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour, 
were  children  of  all  ages,  carrying  away  in  pots,  jugs, 
and  dishes  —  borrowed  from  their  mothers'  cooking 
utensils  —  as  much  as  they  could. 

Above,  beside  the  unroofed  openings  of  the  store- 
rooms, into  which  the  stars  were  shining,  and  also  at 
the  foot  of  the  ladders,  women  held  torches  or  lanterns 
to  light  the  others  at  their  toil. 

Pans  of  blazing  pitch  were  set  in  front  of  the  strong 
locked  doors  of  the  real  fortress,  and  in  their  light 
armed  shepherds  were  pacing  to  and  fro.  When  heavy 
stones  or  kicks  belabored  the  brazen-bound  door  from 
within,  and  threats  were  uttered  in  the  Egyptian  tongue, 
the  Hebrews  outside  did  not  fail  to  retort  in  words  of 
mockery  and  scorn. 

On  the  day  of  the  harvest  festival,  during  the  first 
evening  watch,  runners  arrived  at  Succoth  and  an- 
nounced to  the  Israelites,  whose  numbers  were  twenty- 


100  JOSHUA. 

fold  greater  than  those  of  the  Egyptians,  that  they  had 
quitted  Tanis  in  the  morning  and  the  tribes  intended  to 
leave  at  night ;  their  kindred  in  Succoth  must  be  ready  to 
go  forth  with  them.  There  was  great  rejoicing  among  the 
Hebrews,  who  like  those  of  their  blood  in  the  city  of 
Rameses,  had  assembled  in  every  house  at  a  festive 
repast  on  the  night  of  the  new  moon  after  the  vernal 
equinox  when  the  harvest  festival  usually  began.  The 
heads  of  the  tribes  had  informed  them  that  the  day  of 
liberation  had  arrived,  and  the  Lord  would  lead  them 
into  the  Promised  Land. 

Here,  too,  as  in  Tanis,  many  had  been  faint-hearted 
and  rebellious,  and  others  had  endeavored  to  separate 
their  lot  from  the  rest  and  remain  behind;  but  here, 
too,  they  were  carried  away  by  the  majority.  Eleasar, 
the  son  of  Aaron,  and  the  distinguished  heads  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah,  Hur  and  Naashon,  had  addressed  the 
multitude,  as  Aaron  and  Nun  had  done  in  the  city  of 
Rameses.  But  Miriam,  the  virgin,  the  sister  of  Moses, 
had  gone  from  house  to  house,  everywhere  awakening 
the  fire  of  enthusiasm  in  men's  hearts,  and  telling  the 
women  that  the  morrow's  sun  would  usher  in  for  them 
and  their  children  a  new  day  of  happiness,  prosperity, 
and  freedom. 

Few  had  been  deaf  to  the  appeals  of  the  prophetess ; 
there  was  an  air  of  majesty,  which  compelled  obedi- 
ence, in  the  bearing  of  this  maiden,  whose  large  black 
eyes,  surmounted  by  heavy  dark  eye-brows,  which  met 
in  the  middle,  pierced  the  hearts  of  those  on  whom  her 
gaze  was  bent  and  seemed  to  threaten  the  rebellious 
with  their  gloomy  radiance. 

The  members  of  every  household  went  to  rest  after 
the  festival  with  hearts  uplifted  and  full  of  hope.  But 


JOSHUA.  101 

what  a  change  had  passed  over  them  during  the  second 
day,  the  night  that  followed  it,  and  the  next  morning ! 
It  seemed  as  though  the  desert  wind  had  buried  all 
their  courage  and  confidence  in  the  dust  it  swept  before 
it.  The  dread  of  going  forth  to  face  an  unknown 
future  had  stolen  into  every  heart,  and  many  a  man 
who  had  waved  his  staff  full  of  trust  and  joyful  enter- 
prise was  now  held,  as  if  with  clamps  and  fetters,  to  his 
well-tilled  garden,  the  home  of  his  ancestors,  and  the 
harvest  in  the  fields,  which  had  just  been  half  gathered. 

The  Egyptian  garrison  in  the  fortified  store-house 
had  not  failed  to  notice  that  the  Hebrews  were  under 
some  special  excitement,  but  they  supposed  it  due  to 
the  harvest  festival.  The  commander  of  the  garrison 
had  learned  that  Moses  desired  to  lead  his  people  into 
the  wilderness  to  offer  sacrifices  to  their  God,  and  had 
asked  for  a  reinforcement.  But  he  knew  nothing 
more ;  for  until  the  morning  when  the  desert  wind 
blew,  no  Hebrew  had  disclosed  the  plans  of  his  kin- 
dred. But  the  more  sorely  the  heat  of  the  day  op- 
pressed them,  the  greater  became  the  dread  of  the 
faint-hearted  of  the  pilgrimage  through  the  hot,  dusty, 
waterless  desert.  The  terrible  day  had  given  them  a 
foretaste  of  what  was  impending  and  when,  toward 
noon,  the  dust  grew  thicker,  the  air  more  and  more 
oppressive,  a  Hebrew  trader,  from  whom  the  Egyptian 
soldiers  purchased  goods,  stole  into  the  store-house  to 
ask  the  commander  to  prevent  his  people  from  rushing 
to  their  doom. 

Even  among  the  leaders  the  voices  of  malcontents 
had  grown  loud.  Asarja  and  Michael,  with  their  sons, 
who  grudged  the  power  of  Moses  and  Aaron,  had  even 
gone  from  one  to  another  to  try  to  persuade  them,  ere 


102  JOSHUA. 

departing,  to  summon  the  elders  again  and  charge  them 
to  enter  into  fresh  negotiations  with  the  Egyptians. 

While  these  malcontents  were  successfully  gathering 
adherents,  and  the  traitor  had  sought  the  commander 
of  the  Egyptian  garrison,  two  more  messengers  arrived 
with  tidings  that  the  fugitives  would  arrive  in  Succoth 
between  midnight  and  morning. 

Breathless,  speechless,  dripping  with  perspiration, 
and  with  bleeding  lips,  the  elder  messenger  sank  on  the 
threshold  of  Amminadab's  house,  now  the  home  of 
Miriam  also.  Both  the  exhausted  men  were  refreshed 
with  wine  and  food,  ere  the  least  wearied  was  fully 
capable  of  speech.  Then,  in  a  hoarse  voice,  but  from  a 
heart  overflowing  with  gratitude  and  ardent  enthusiasm, 
he  reported  the  scenes  which  had  occurred  at  the  ex- 
odus, and  how  the  God  of  their  fathers  had  filled  every 
heart  with  His  spirit,  and  instilled  new  faith  into  the 
souls  of  the  cowards. 

Miriam  had  listened  to  this  story  with  sparkling 
eyes  ;  at  its  close  she  flung  her  veil  over  her  head  and 
bade  the  servants  of  the  household,  who  had  assembled 
around  the  messengers,  to  summon  the  whole  Hebrew 
people  under  the  sycamore,  whose  broad  summit,  the 
growth  of  a  thousand  years,  protected  a  wide  space  of 
earth  from  the  scorching  sunbeams. 

The  desert  wind  was  still  blowing,  but  the  glad  news 
seemed  to  have  destroyed  the  baneful  power  it  exerted 
on  man,  and  when  many  hundreds  of  people  had 
flocked  together  under  the  sycamore,  Miriam  had 
given  her  hand  to  Eleasar,  the  son  of  her  brother 
Aaron,  sprung  upon  the  bench  which  rested  against  the 
huge  hollow  trunk  of  the  tree,  raised  her  hands  and 
eyes  toward  heaven  in  an  ecstasy,  and  began  in  a  loud 


JOSHUA.  103 

voice  to  address  a  prayer  to  the  Lord,  as  if  she  beheld 
him  with  her  earthly  vision. 

Then  she  permitted  the  messenger  to  speak,  and 
when  the  latter  again  described  the  events  which  had 
occurred  in  the  city  of  Rameses,  and  then  announced 
that  the  fugitives  from  Tanis  would  arrive  in  a  few 
hours,  loud  shouts  of  joy  burst  from  the  throng.  Eleasar, 
the  son  of  Aaron,  proclaimed  with  glowing  enthusiasm 
what  the  Lord  had  done  for  his  people  and  had 
promised  to  them,  their  children,  and  children's 
children. 

Each  word  from  the  lips  of  the  inspired  speaker  fell 
upon  the  hearts  of  the  Hebrews  like  the  fresh  dew  of 
morning  on  the  parched  grass.  The  trusting  hearers 
pressed  around  him  and  Miriam  with  shouts  of  joy,  and 
the  drooping  courage  of  the  timorous  appeared  to  put 
forth  new  wings.  Asarja,  Michael,  and  their  followers 
no  longer  murmured,  nay,  most  of  them  had  been  in- 
fected by  the  general  enthusiasm,  and  when  a  Hebrew 
mercenary  stole  out  from  the  garrison  of  the  store-house 
and  disclosed  what  had  been  betrayed  to  his  command- 
er, Eleasar,  Naashon,  Hur,  and  others  took  counsel 
together,  gathered  all  the  shepherds  around  them,  and 
with  glowing  words  urged  them  to  show  in  this  hour 
that  they  were  men  indeed  and  did  not  fear,  with  their 
God's  mighty  aid,  to  fight  for  their  people  and  their 
liberty. 

There  was  no  lack  of  axes,  clubs,  sickles,  brazen 
spears,  heavy  staves,  slings,  the  shepherds'  weapons  of 
defence  against  the  wild  beasts  of  the  desert,  or  bows 
and  arrows,  and  as  soon  as  a  goodly  number  of  strong 
men  had  joined  him,  Hur  fell  upon  the  Egyptian  over- 
seers who  were  watching  the  labor  of  several  hundred 


104  JOSHUA. 

Hebrew  slaves.  Shouting :  "  They  are  coming !  Down 
with  the  oppressors !  The  Lord  our  God  is  our  leader !" 
they  rushed  upon  the  Lybian  warders,  put  them*  to  rout, 
and  released  their  fellows  who  were  digging  the  earth, 
and  laying  bricks.  As  soon  as  the  illustrious  Naashon 
had  pressed  one  of  the  oldest  of  these  hapless  men 
like  a  brother  to  his  heart,  the  other  liberated  bonds- 
men had  flung  themselves  into  the  shepherds'  arms 
and  thus,  still  shouting :  "  They  are  coming !"  and 
"  The  Lord,  the  God  of  our  fathers,  is  our  leader !" 
they  pressed  forward  in  an  increasing  multitude.  When 
at  last  the  little  band  of  shepherds  had  grown  to  a  body 
of  several  thousand  men,  Hur  led  them  against  the 
Egyptian  soldiers,  whom  they  largely  outnumbered. 

The  Egyptian  bowmen  had  already  discharged  a 
shower  of  arrows,  and  stones  hurled  from  the  slings  of 
the  powerful  shepherds  had  dealt  fatal  wounds  in  the 
front  ranks  of  the  foe,  when  the  blast  of  a  trumpet  rang 
out,  summoning  the  garrison  of  the  fortress  behind  the 
sloping  walls  and  solid  door.  The  Hebrews  seemed  to 
the  commander  too  superior  a  force  to  fight,  but  duty 
required  him  to  hold  the  fort  until  the  arrival  of  the  re- 
inforcements he  had  requested. 

Hur,  however,  had  not  been  satisfied  with  his  first 
victory.  Success  had  kindled  the  courage  of  his  fol- 
lowers, as  a  sharp  gust  of  wind  fans  a  smouldering  fire, 
and  wherever  an  Egyptian  showed  himself  on  the 
battlements  of  the  store-house,  the  round  stone  from  a 
shepherd's  sling  struck  heavily  upon  him.  At  Naashon's 
bidding  ladders  had  been  brought  and,  in  the  twinkling 
of  an  eye,  hundreds  climbed  up  the  building  from  every 
direction  and,  after  a  short,  bloodless  struggle,  the 


JOSHUA.  105 

granaries  fell  into  the  Hebrews'  hands,  though  the 
Egyptians  had  succeeded  in  still  retaining  the  fort. 

During  the  passage  of  these  events  the  desert  wind 
had  subsided.  Some  of  the  liberated  bondsmen,  furious 
with  rage,  had  heaped  straw,  wood,  and  faggots  against 
the  gate  of  the  courtyard  into  which  the  Egyptians  had 
been  forced  It  would  have  been  a  light  task  for  the 
assailants  to  destroy  every  one  of  their  foes  by  fire ;  but 
Hur,  Naashon,  and  other  prudent  leaders  had  not  suf- 
fered this  to  be  done,  lest  the  provisions  still  in  the 
store-rooms  should  be  burned. 

It  had  been  no  easy  matter,  in  truth,  to  deter  the 
younger  of  the  ill-treated  bondsmen  from  this  act  of 
vengeance ;  but  each  one  was  a  member  of  some 
family,  and  when  Hur's  admonitions  were  supported  by 
those  of  the  fathers  and  mothers,  they  not  only  allowed 
themselves  to  be  pacified,  but  aided  the  elders  to  clis-. 
tribute  the  contents  of  the  magazines  among  the  heads 
of  families  and  pack  them  on  the  beasts  of  burden  and 
into  the  carts  which  were  to  accompany  the  fugitives. 

The  work  went  forward  amid  the  broad  glare  of 
torches,  and  became  a  new  festival ;  for  neither  Hur, 
Naashon,  nor  Eleasar  could  prevent  the  men  and 
women  from  opening  the  wine-jars  and  skins.  They 
succeeded,  however,  in  preserving  the  lion's  share  of 
the  precious  booty  for  a  time  of  need,  and  thus  averted 
much  drunkenness,  though  the  spirit  of  the  grape-juice 
and  the  pleasure  in  obtaining  so  rich  a  prize  doubtless 
enhanced  the  grateful  excitement  of  the  throng.  When 
Eleasar  finally  went  among  them  for  the  second  time  to 
tell  them  of  the  Promised  Land,  men  and  women  lis- 
tened with  uplifted  hearts,  and  joined  in  the  hymn 
Miriam  began  to  sing. 


106  JOSHUA. 

Devout  enthusiasm  now  took  possession  of  every 
heart  in  Succoth,  as  it  had  done  in  Tanis  during  the 
hour  that  preceded  the  exodus,  and  when  seventy  He- 
brew men  and  women,  who  had  concealed  themselves 
in  the  temple  of  Turn,  heard  the  jubilant  hymn,  they 
came  forth  into  the  open  air,  joined  the  others,  and 
packed  their  possessions  with  as  much  glad  hopefulness 
and  warm  trust  in  the  God  of  their  fathers,  as  if  they 
had  never  shrunk  from  the  departure. 

As  the  stars  sank  lower  in  the  heavens,  the  joyous 
excitement  increased.  Men  and  women  thronged  the 
road  to  Tanis  to  meet  their  approaching  kindred. 
Many  a  father  led  his  boy  by  the  hand,  and  many  a 
mother  carried  her  child  in  her  arms ;  the  multitude 
drawing  near  contained  numerous  beloved  relatives  to 
be  greeted,  and  the  coming  dawn  could  not  fail  to  bring 
solemn  hours  of  which  one  would  wish  no  beloved  heart 
to  be  deprived,  and  which  would  linger  in  the  souls 
of  the  little  ones  till  they  themselves  had  children  and 
grandchildren. 

No  bed  in  tent,  hovel,  or  house  was  occupied ;  for 
everywhere  the  final  packing  was  going  on.  The 
throng  of  workers  at  the  granaries  had  lessened ;  most 
of  them  were  now  supplied  with  as  much  food  as  they 
could  carry. 

Men  and  women  equipped  for  travelling  lay  around 
fires  hurriedly  lighted  in  front  of  many  tents  and  houses, 
and  in  the  larger  farms  shepherds  were  driving  the 
cattle  and  slaughtering  the  oxen  and  sheep  which  were 
unable  to  go  with  the  people.  The  blows  of  axes  and 
hammers  and  the  creaking  of  saws  were  heard  in  front 
of  many  a  house ;  for  litters  to  transport  the  sick  and 
feeble  must  be  made.  Carts  and  wains  were  still  to  be 


JOSHUA.  107 

loaded,  and  the  heads  of  families  had  a  hard  task  with 
the  women;  for  a  woman's  heart  often  clings  more 
closely  to  things  apparently  worthless  than  to  those  of 
the  greatest  value.  When  the  weaver  Rebecca  was 
more  eager  to  find  room  in  the  cart  for  the  rude  cradle 
in  which  her  darling  had  died,  than  for  the  beautiful 
ebony  chest  inlaid  with  ivory  an  Egyptian  had  pawned 
to  her  husband,  who  could  blame  her  ? 

Light  shone  from  all  the  window  openings  and  tent 
doors,  while  from  the  roofs  of  the  largest  houses  the 
blaze  of  torches  or  lanterns  greeted  the  approaching 
Hebrews. 

At  the  banquet  served  on  the  night  of  the  harvest 
festival,  no  table  had  lacked  a  roast  lamb;  during  this 
hour  of  waiting  the  housewife  offered  her  family  what 
she  could. 

The  narrow  streets  of  the  humble  little  town  were 
full  of  active  life,  and  never  had  the  setting  stars  shone 
upon  features  so  cheerful,  eyes  sparkling  so  brightly  with 
enthusiasm,  and  faces  so  transfigured  by  hope  and 
devout  piety. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

WHEN  morning  dawned,  all  who  had  not  gone  down 
to  meet  the  fugitives  who  were  to  make  their  first  long 
halt  here,  had  assembled  on  the  roof  of  one  of  the 
largest  houses  in  Succoth. 

One  after  another  fleet-footed  man  or  boy,  hurrying 
in  advance  of  the  rest,  had  reached  Succoth.  Ammina- 


108  JOSHUA. 

dab's  house  was  the  goal  sought  by  the  majority.  It 
consisted  of  two  buildings,  one  occupied  by  Naashon, 
the  owner's  son,  and  his  family,  the  other,  a  larger 
dwelling,  which  sheltered,  besides  the  grey-haired  owner 
and  his  wife,  his  son-in-law  Aaron  with  his  wife,  children, 
and  grand-children,  and  Miriam.  The  aged  leader  of 
his  tribe,  who  had  assigned  the  duties  of  his  position  to 
his  son  Naashon,  extended  his  hand  to  every  mes- 
senger and  listened  to  his  story  with  sparkling  eyes, 
often  dimmed  by  tears.  He  had  induced  his  old  wife 
to  sit  in  the  armchair  in  which  she  was  to  be  carried 
after  the  people,  that  she  might  become  accustomed  to 
it,  and  for  the  same  reason  he  now  occupied  his  own. 

When  the  old  dame  heard  the  messengers  boast 
that  the  fair  future  promised  to  the  people  was  now 
close  at  hand,  her  eyes  often  sought  her  husband,  and 
she  exclaimed  :  "  Yes,  Moses !"  for  she  held  her  son-in- 
law's  brother  in  high  esteem,  and  rejoiced  to  see  his 
prophecy  fulfilled.  The  old  people  were  proud  of 
Aaron,  too ;  but  all  their  love  was  lavished  upon 
Eleasar,  their  grandson,  whom  they  beheld  growing  up 
into  a  second  Moses.  Miriam  had  been  for  some  time 
a  new  and  welcome  member  of  the  household.  True, 
the  warm-hearted  old  couple's  liking  for  the  grave 
maiden  had  not  increased  to  parental  tenderness,  and 
their  daughter  Elisheba,  Aaron's  active  wife,  had  no 
greater  inclination  to  share  the  cares  of  the  large  family 
with  the  prophetess  than  her  son  Naashon's  spouse, 
who,  moreover,  dwelt  with  her  immediate  family  under 
her  own  roof.  Yet  the  old  people  owed  Miriam  a  debt 
of  gratitude  for  the  care  she  bestowed  upon  their  grand- 
daughter Milcah,  the  daughter  of  Aaron  and  Elisheba, 
whom  a  great  misfortune  had  transformed  from  a 


JOSHUA.  109 

merry-hearted  child  into  a  melancholy  woman,  whose 
heart  seemed  dead  to  every  joy. 

A  few  days  after  her  marriage  to  a  beloved  husband 
the  latter,  carried  away  by  passion,  had  raised  his  hand 
against  an  Egyptian  tax-gatherer,  who,  while  Pharaoh 
was  passing  through  Succoth  toward  the  east,  had  at- 
tempted to  drive  off  a  herd  of  his  finest  cattle  for  "  the 
kitchen  of  the  lord  of  both  worlds."  For  this  act  of 
self-defence  the  hapless  man  had  been  conveyed  to  the 
mines  as  a  prisoner  of  state,  and  every  one  knew  that 
the  convicts  there  perished,  soul  and  body,  from  tortur- 
ing labor  far  beyond  their  strength.  Through  the  in- 
fluence of  old  Nun,  Hosea's  father,  the  wife  and 
relatives  of  the  condemned  man  had  been  saved  from 
sharing  his  punishment,  as  the  law  prescribed.  But 
Milcah  languished  under  the  blow,  and  the  only  person 
who  could  rouse  the  pale,  silent  woman  from  brooding 
over  her  grief  was  Miriam.  The  desolate  heart  clung 
to  the  prophetess,  and  she  accompanied  her  when  she 
practised  in  the  huts  of  the  poor  the  medical  skill  she 
had  learned  and  took  them  medicines  and  alms. 

The  last  messengers  Amminadab  and  his  wife  re- 
ceived on  the  roof  described  the  hardships  of  the 
journey  and  the  misery  they  had  witnessed  in  dark 
hues;  but  if  one,  more  tender-hearted  than  the  rest, 
broke  into  lamentations  over  the  sufferings  endured  by 
the  women  and  children  during  the  prevalence  of  the 
desert  wind,  and  recalling  the  worst  horrors  impressed 
upon  his  memory,  uttered  mournful  predictions  for  the 
future,  the  old  man  spoke  cheering  words,  telling  him 
of  the  omnipotence  of  God,  and  how  custom  would 
inure  one  to  hardship.  His  wrinkled  features  ex- 
pressed firm  confidence,  while  one  could  read  in 


110  JOSHUA. 

Miriam's  beautiful,  yet  stern  countenance,  little  of  the 
courageous  hope,  which  youth  is  wont  to  possess  in  a 
far  higher  degree  than  age. 

During  the  arrival  and  departure  of  the  messengers 
she  did  not  quit  the  old  couple's  side,  leaving  to  her 
sister-in-law  Elisheba  and  her  servants  the  duty  of 
offering  refreshments  to  the  wearied  men.  She  herself 
listened  intently,  with  panting  breath,  but  what  she 
heard  seemed  to  awaken  her  anxiety ;  for  she  knew  that 
no  one  came  to  the  house  which  sheltered  Aaron  save 
those  who  were  adherents  of  her  brothers,  the  leaders 
of  the  people.  If  such  men's  blitheness  was  already 
waning,  what  must  the  outlook  be  to  the  lukewarm  and 
refractory ! 

She  rarely  added  a  question  of  her  own  to  those 
asked  by  the  old  man  and,  when  she  did  so,  the  mes- 
sengers who  heard  her  voice  for  the  first  time  looked  at 
her  in  surprise;  though  musical,  the  tones  were  un- 
usually deep. 

After  several  messengers,  in  reply  to  her  inquiries, 
declared  that  Hosea,  the  son  of  Nun,  had  not  come  with 
the  others,  her  head  drooped  and  she  asked  nothing 
more,  till  pallid  Milcah,  who  followed  her  everywhere, 
raised  her  dark  eyes  beseechingly  and  murmured  the 
name  of  Reuben,  her  captive  husband.  The  prophetess 
kissed  the  poor  desolate  wife's  forehead,  glanced  at  her 
as  if  she  had  neglected  her  in  some  way,  and  then  ques- 
tioned the  messengers  with  urgent  eagerness  concern- 
ing their  news  of  Reuben,  who  had  been  dragged  to  the 
mines.  One  only  had  learned  from  a  released  prisoner 
that  Milcah's  husband  was  living  in  the  copper  mines 
of  the  province  of  Bech,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Mt. 
Sinai,  and  Miriam  seized  upon  these  tidings  to  assure 


JOSHUA.  Ill 

Milcah,  with  great  vivacity  and  warmth,  that  if  the 
tribes  moved  eastward  they  would  surely  pass  the  mines 
and  release  the  Hebrews  imprisoned  there. 

These  were  welcome  words,  and  Milcah,  who  nestled 
to  her  comforter's  breast,  would  gladly  have  heard 
more ;  but  great  restlessness  had  seized  upon  the 
people  gazing  into  the  distance  from  the  roof  of  Am- 
minadab's  house ;  a  dense  cloud  of  dust  was  approach- 
ing from  the  north,  and  soon  after  a  strange  murmur 
arose,  then  a  loud  uproar,  and  finally  shouts  and  cries 
from  thousands  of  voices,  lowing,  neighing,  and  bleat- 
ing, such  as  none  of  the  listeners  had  ever  heard, — 
and  then  on  surged  the  many-limbed  and  many-voiced 
multitude,  the  endless  stream  of  human  beings  and 
herds,  which  the  astrologer's  grandson  on  the  observa- 
tory of  the  temple  at  Tanis  had  mistaken  for  the  ser- 
pent of  the  nether- world. 

Now,  too,  in  the  light  of  early  dawn,  it  might  easily 
have  been  imagined  a  host  of  bodiless  spirits  driven 
forth  from  the  realms  of  the  dead ;  for  a  whitish-grey 
column  of  dust  extending  to  the  blue  vault  of  heaven 
moved  before  it,  and  the  vast  whole,  with  its  many 
parts  and  voices,  veiled  by  the  clouds  of  sand,  had 
the  appearance  of  a  single  form.  Often,  however,  a 
metal  spear-head  or  a  brazen  kettle,  smitten  by  a  sun- 
beam, flashed  brightly,  and  individual  voices,  shouting 
loudly,  fell  upon  the  ear. 

The  foremost  billows  of  the  flood  had  now  reached 
Amminadab's  house,  before  which  pasture  lands  ex- 
tended as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach. 

Words  of  command  ragg  on  the  air,  the  procession 
halted,  dispersing  as  a  mountain  lake  overflows  in 
spring,  sending  rivulets  and  streams  hither  and  thither; 


112  JOSHUA. 

but  the  various  small  runlets  speedily  united,  taking 
possession  of  broad  patches  of  the  dewy  pastures,  and 
wherever  such  portions  of  the  torrent  of  human  beings 
and  animals  rested,  the  shroud  of  dust  which  had  con- 
cealed them  disappeared. 

The  road  remained  hidden  by  the  cloud  a  long 
time,  but  on  the  meadows  the  morning  sunlight  shone 
upon  men,  women,  and  children,  cattle  and  donkeys, 
sheep  and  goats,  and  soon  tent  after  tent  was  pitched 
on  the  green  sward  in  front  of  the  dwellings  of  Am- 
minadab  and  Naashon,  herds  were  surrounded  by  pens, 
stakes  and  posts  were  driven  into  the  hard  ground, 
awnings  were  stretched,  cows  were  fastened  to  ropes, 
cattle  and  sheep  were  led  to  water,  fires  were  lighted, 
and  long  lines  of  women,  balancing  jars  on  their  heads, 
with  their  slender,  beautifully  curved  arms,  went  to  the 
well  behind  the  old  sycamore  or  to  the  side  of  the 
neighboring  canal. 

This  morning,  as  on  every  other  working-day,  a  pied 
ox  with  a  large  hump  was  turning  the  wheel  that  raised 
the  water.  It  watered  the  land,  though  the  owner  of  the 
cattle  intended  to  leave  it  on  the  morrow ;  but  the 
slave  who  drove  it  had  no  thought  beyond  the  present 
and,  as  no  one  forbade  him,  moistened  as  he  was  wont 
the  grass  for  the  foe  into  whose  hands  it  was  to  fall. 

Hours  elapsed  ere  the  advancing  multitude  reached 
the  camp,  and  Miriam  who  stood  describing  to  Am- 
minadab,  whose  eyes  were  no  longer  keen  enough  to  dis- 
cern distant  objects,  what  was  passing  below,  witnessed 
many  an  incident  from  which  she  would  fain  have 
averted  her  gaze. 

She  dared  not  frankly  tell  the  old  man  what  she 
beheld,  it  would  have  clouded  his  joyous  hope. 


JOSHUA.  113 

Relying,  with  all  the  might  of  an  inspired  soul  upon 
the  God  of  her  fathers  and  his  omnipotence,  she  had 
but  yesterday  fully  shared  Amminadab's  confidence  • 
but  the  Lord  had  bestowed  upon  her  spirit  the  fatal  gift 
of  seeing  things  and  hearing  words  incomprehensible  to 
all  other  human  beings.  Usually  she  distinguished 
them  in  dreams,  but  they  often  came  to  her  also  in 
solitary  hours,  when  she  was  deeply  absorbed  by 
thoughts  of  the  past  or  the  future. 

The  words  Ephraim  had  announced  to  Hosea  in 
her  name,  as  a  message  from  the  Most  High,  had  been 
uttered  by  unseen  lips  while  she  was  thinking  under 
the  sycamore  of  the  exodus  and  the  man  whom  she 
had  loved  from  her  childhood  —  and  when  that  day, 
between  midnight  and  morning,  she  again  sat  beneath 
the  venerable  tree  and  was  overpowered  by  weariness, 
she  had  believed  she  heard  the  same  voice.  The 
words  had  vanished  from  her  memory  when  she  awoke, 
but  she  knew  that  their  purport  had  been  sorrowful 
and  of  ill  omen. 

Spite  of  the  vagueness  of  the  monition,  it  disturbed 
her,  and  the  outcries  rising  "from  the  pastures  certainly 
were  not  evoked  by  joy  that  the  people  had  joined 
her  brothers  and  the  first  goal  of  their  wanderings 
had  been  successfully  gained,  as  the  old  man  at  her 
side  supposed ;  no,  they  were  the  furious  shouts  of 
wrathful,  undisciplined  men,  wrangling  and  fighting 
with  fierce  hostility  on  the  meadow  for  a  good  place  to 
pitch  their  tents  or  the  best  spot  at  the  wells  or  on  the 
brink  of  the  canals  to  water  their  cattle. 

Wrath,  disappointment,  despair  echoed  in  the 
shouts,  and  when  her  gaze  sought  the  point  whence 
they  rose  loudest,  she  saw  the  corpse  of  a  woman  borne 


114  JOSHUA. 

on  a  piece  of  tent-cloth  by  railing  bondmen  and  a  pale, 
death-stricken  infant  held  on  the  arm  of  a  half  naked, 
frantic  man,  its  father,  who  shook  his  disengaged  hand 
in  menace  toward  the  spot  where  she  saw  her  brothers. 

The  next  moment  she  beheld  a  grey-haired  old  man, 
bowed  by  heavy  toil,  raise  his  fist  against  Moses.  He 
would  have  struck  him,  had  he  not  been  dragged  away 
by  others. 

She  could  not  bear  to  stay  longer  on  the  roof.  Pale 
and  panting  for  breath,  she  hurried  to  the  camp.  Milcah 
followed,  and  wherever  they  encountered  people  who 
lived  in  Succoth,  they  received  respectful  greetings. 

The  new  comers  from  Zoan,  —  as  the  Hebrews 
called  Tanis,  —  Pha-kos,  and  Bubastis,  whom  they  met 
on  the  way,  did  not  know  Miriam,  yet  the  tall  figure 
and  stately  dignity  of  the  prophetess  led  them  also  to 
make  way  respectfully  or  pause  to  answer  her  ques- 
tions. 

The  things  she  learned  were  evil  and  heart-rending; 
for  joyously  as  the  procession  had  marched  forward  on 
the  first  day,  it  dragged  along  sadly  and  hopelessly  on 
the  second.  The  desert  wind  had  robbed  many  of  the 
strong  of  their  power  of  resistance  and  energy  ;  others, 
like  the  bondman's  wife  and  nursling,  had  been  attacked 
by  fever  on  the  pilgrimage  through  the  dust  and  the 
oppressive  heat  of  the  day,  and  they  pointed  out  to  her 
the  procession  which  was  approaching  the  burial-place 
of  the  Hebrews  of  Succoth.  Those  who  were  being 
conveyed  to  the  bourn  whence  there  is  no  return  were 
not  only  women  and  children,  or  those  who  had  been 
brought  from  their  homes  ill,  that  they  might  not  be  left 
behind,  but  also  men  who  were  in  robust  health  the  day 
before  and  had  broken  down  under  burdens  too  heavy 


JOSHUA.  115 

for  their  strength,  or  who  had  recklessly  exposed  them- 
selves, while  working,  to  the  beams  of  the  noon-day 
sun. 

In  one  tent,  where  a  young  mother  was  shaking  with 
the  chill  of  a  severe  attack  of  fever,  Miriam  asked  the 
pallid  Milcah  to  bring  her  medicine  chest,  and  the  deso- 
late wife  went  on  her  errand  with  joyous  alacrity.  On 
the  way  she  stopped  many  and  timidly  asked  about  her 
captive  husband,  but  could  obtain  no  news  of  him. 
Miriam,  however,  heard  from  Nun,  Hosea's  father,  that 
Eliab,  the  freedman  whom  he  had  left  behind,  had  in- 
formed him  that  his  son  would  be  ready  to  join  his 
people.  She  also  learned  that  the  wounded  Ephraim 
had  found  shelter  in  his  uncle's  tent. 

Was  the  lad's  illness  serious,  or  what  other  cause 
detained  Hosea  in  Tanis  ?  These  questions  filled 
Miriam's  heart  with  fresh  anxiety,  yet  with  rare  energy 
she  nevertheless  lavished  help  and  comfort  wherever 
she  went. 

Old  Nun's  cordial  greeting  had  cheered  her,  and 
a  more  vigorous,  kind,  and  lovable  old  man  could  not 
be  imagined. 

The  mere  sight  of  his  venerable  head,  with  its  thick 
snow-white  hair  and  beard,  his  regular  features,  and 
eyes  sparkling  with  the  fire  of  youth,  was  a  pleasure  to 
her,  and  as,  in  his  vivacious,  winning  manner,  he  ex- 
pressed his  joy  at  meeting  her  again,  as  he  drew  her  to 
his  heart  and  kissed  her  brow,  after  she  had  told  him 
that,  in  the  name  of  the  Most  High,  she  had  called 
Hosea  "  Joshua  "  and  summoned  him  back  to  his  people 
that  he  might  command  their  forces,  she  felt  as  if  she 
had  found  in  him  some  compensation  for  her  dead 
father's  loss,  and  devoted  herself  with  fresh  vigor  to  the 


Il6  JOSHUA. 

arduous  duties  which  everywhere  demanded  her  atten- 
tion. 

And  it  was  no  trivial  matter  for  the  high-souled 
maiden  to  devote  herself,  with  sweet  self-sacrifice,  to 
those  whose  roughness  and  uncouth  manners  wounded 
her.  The  women,  it  is  true,  gladly  accepted  her  aid, 
but  the  men,  who  had  grown  up  under  the  rod  of  the 
overseer,  knew  neither  reserve  nor  consideration.  Their 
natures  were  as  rude  as  their  persons  and  when,  as  soon 
as  they  learned  her  name,  they  began  to  assail  her  with 
harsh  reproaches,  asserting  that  her  brother  had  lured 
them  from  an  endurable  situation  to  plunge  them  into 
the  most  horrible  position,  when  she  heard  imprecations 
and  blasphemy,  and  saw  the  furious  wrath  of  the  black 
eyes  that  flashed  in  the  brown  faces  framed  by  masses 
of  tangled  hair  and  beards,  her  heart  failed  her. 

But  she  succeeded  in  mastering  dread  and  aversion, 
and  though  her  heart  throbbed  violently,  and  she  ex- 
pected to  meet  the  worst,  she  reminded  those  who  were 
repulsive  to  her  and  from  whom  her  woman's  weakness 
urged  her  to  flee,  of  the  God  of  their  fathers  and  His 
promises. 

She  now  thought  she  knew  what  the  sorrowful  warn- 
ing voice  under  the  sycamore  had  portended,  and 
beside  the  couch  of  the  young  dying  mother  she  raised 
her  hands  and  heart  to  Heaven  and  took  an  oath  unto 
the  Most  High  that  she  would  exert  every  power  of  her 
being  to  battle  against  the  faint-hearted  lack  of  faith 
and  rude  obstinacy,  which  threatened  to  plunge  the 
people  into  sore  perils.  Jehovah  had  promised  them 
the  fairest  future  and  they  must  not  be  robbed  of 
it  by  the  short-sightedness  and  defiance  of  a  few 
deluded  individuals ;  but  God  himself  could  scarcely 


JOSHUA.  117 

be  wroth  with  those  who,  content  if  their  bodily  wants 
were  satisfied,  had  unresistingly  borne  insults  and 
blows  like  cattle.  The  multitude  even  now  did  not 
realize  that  they  must  pass  through  the  darkness  of 
misery  to  be  worthy  of  the  bright  day  that  awaited 
them. 

The  medicines  administered  by  Miriam  seemed  to 
relieve  the  sufferer,  and  filled  with  fresh  confidence,  she 
left  the  tent  to  seek  her  brothers. 

There  had  been  little  change  in  the  state  of  affairs 
in  the  camp,  and  she  again  beheld  scenes  from  which 
she  recoiled  and  which  made  her  regret  that  the 
sensitive  Milcah  was  her  companion. 

Some  rascally  bondmen  who  had  seized  cattle  and 
utensils  belonging  to  others  had  been  bound  to  a  palm- 
tree,  and  the  ravens  that  followed  the  procession,  and 
had  found  ample  sustenance  on  the  way,  now  croaked 
greedily  around  the  quickly  established  place  of  execu- 
tion. 

No  one  knew  who  had  been  judge  or  executioner  of 
the  sentence ;  but  those  who  took  part  in  the  swift 
retribution  considered  it  well  justified,  and  rejoiced  in 
the  deed. 

With  rapid  steps  and  averted  head  Miriam  drew  the 
trembling  Milcah  on  and  gave  her  to  the  care  of  her 
uncle  Naashon  to  lead  home.  The  latter  had  just 
parted  from  the  man  who  with  him  ruled  the  sons  of 
Judah  as  a  prince  of  the  tribe  —  Hur,  who  at  the  head 
of  the  shepherds  had  won  the  first  victory  against  the 
Egyptians,  and  who  now  led  to  the  maiden  with  joyful 
pride  a  man  and  a  boy,  his  son  and  grandson.  Both 
had  been  in  the  service  of  the  Egyptians,  practising  the 
trade  of  goldsmith  and  worker  in  metals  for  Pharaoh 
9 


Il8  JOSHUA. 

at  Memphis.  The  former's  skill  had  won  him  the  name 
of  Uri,  which  in  Egyptian  means  '  great ',  and  this  arti- 
ficer's son  Bezaleel,  Hur's  grandson,  though  scarcely 
beyond  boyhood,  was  reputed  to  surpass  his  father  in 
the  gifts  of  genius. 

Hur  gazed  with  justifiable  pride  at  son  and  grand- 
son ;  for  though  both  had  attained  much  consideration 
among  the  Egyptians  they  had  followed  their  father's 
messenger  without  demur,  leaving  behind  them  many 
who  were  dear  to  their  hearts,  and  the  property  gained 
in  Memphis,  to  join  their  wandering  nation  and  share 
its  uncertain  destiny. 

Miriam  greeted  the  new  arrivals  with  the  utmost 
warmth,  and  the  men  who,  representing  three  genera- 
tions, stood  before  her,  presented  a  picture  on  which  the 
eyes  of  any  well-disposed  person  could  not  fail  to  rest 
with  pleasure. 

The  grandfather  was  approaching  his  sixtieth  year, 
and  though  many  threads  of  silver  mingled  with  his 
ebon-black  hair,  he  held  himself  as  erect  as  a  youth, 
while  his  thin,  sharply-cut  features  expressed  the  un- 
yielding determination,  which  explained  his  son's  and 
grandson's  prompt  obedience  to  his  will. 

Uri,  too,  was  a  stately  man,  and  Bezaleel  a  youth 
who  showed  that  he  had  industriously  utilized  his  nine- 
teen years  and  already  attained  an  independent  position. 
His  artist  eye  sparkled  with  special  brilliancy,  and  after 
he  and  his  father  had  taken  leave  of  Miriam  to  greet 
Caleb,  their  grandfather  and  great-grandfather,  she 
heartily  congratulated  the  man  who  was  one  of  her 
brother's  most  loyal  friends,  upon  such  scions  of  his 
noble  race. 

Hur  seized  her  hand  and,  with  a  warmth  of  emotion 


JOSHUA.  119 

gushing  from  a  grateful  heart  that  was  by  no  means 
usual  to  the  stern,  imperious  nature  of  this  chief  of  an 
unruly  shepherd  tribe,  exclaimed  : 

"  Ay,  they  have  remained  good,  true,  and  obedient. 
God  has  guarded  them  and  prepared  this  day  of  happi- 
ness for  me.  Now  it  depends  on  you  to  make  it  the 
fairest  of  all  festivals.  You  must  have  long  perceived 
that  my  eyes  have  followed  you  and  that  you  have  been 
dear  to  my  heart.  To  work  for  our  people  and  their 
welfare  is  my  highest  aim  as  a  man,  yours  as  a  woman, 
and  that  is  a  strong  bond.  But  I  desired  to  have  a 
still  firmer  one  unite  us,  and  since  your  parents  are 
dead,  and  I  cannot  go  with  the  bridal  dower  to  Amram, 
to  buy  you  from  him,  I  now  bring  my  suit  to  you  in  per- 
son, high-souled  maiden.  But  ere  you  say  yes  or  no, 
you  should  learn  that  my  son  and  grandson  are  ready 
to  pay  you  the  same  honor  as  head  of  our  household 
that  they  render  me,  and  your  brothers  willingly  per- 
mitted me  to  approach  you  as  a  suitor." 

Miriam  had  listened  to  this  offer  in  silent  surprise. 
She  had  a  high  esteem  and  warm  regard  for  the  man 
who  so  fervently  desired  her  love.  Spite  of  his  age,  he 
stood  before  her  in  the  full  flush  of  manhood  and 
stately  dignity,  and  the  beseeching  expression  of  eyes 
whose  glance  was  wont  to  be  so  imperious  and  stead- 
fast stirred  the  inmost  depths  of  her  soul. 

She,  however,  was  waiting  with  ardent  longing  for 
another,  so  her  sole  answer  was  a  troubled  shake  of  the 
head. 

But  this  man  of  mature  years,  a  prince  of  his  tribe, 
who  was  accustomed  to  carry  his  plans  persistently  into 
execution,  undeterred  by  her  mute  refusal,  continued 
even  more  warmly  than  before. 


120  JOSHUA. 

"  Do  not  destroy  in  one  short  moment  the  yearning 
repressed  with  so  much  difficulty  for  years !  Do  you 
object  to  my  age  ?" 

Miriam  shook  her  head  a  second  time,  but  Hur  went 
on  : 

"  That  was  the  source  of  my  anxiety,  though  I  can 
still  vie  with  many  a  younger  man  in  vigor.  But,  if  you 
can  overlook  your  lover's  grey  hairs,  perhaps  you  may 
be  induced  to  weigh  the  words  he  now  utters.  Of  the 
faith  and  devotion  of  my  soul  I  will  say  nothing.  No 
man  of  my  years  woos  a  woman,  unless  his  heart's 
strong  impulse  urges  him  on.  But  there  is  something 
else  which,  meseems,  is  of  equal  import.  I  said  that  I 
would  lead  you  to  my  house.  Yonder  it  stands,  a  build- 
ing firm  and  spacious  enough  ;  but  from  to-morrow  a 
tent  will  be  our  home,  the  camp  our  dwelling-place, 
and  there  will  be  wild  work  enough  within  its  bounds. 
No  one  is  secure,  not  even  of  life,  least  of  all  a  woman, 
however  strong  she  may  be,  who  has  made  common 
cause  with  those  against  whom  thousands  murmur. 
Your  parents  are  dead,  your  brothers  might  protect 
you,  but  should  the  people  lay  hands  on  them,  the 
same  stones  on  which  you  cross  the  stream  would  drag 
you  down  into  the  depths  with  them." 

"  And  were  I  your  wife,  you  also,"  replied  Miriam, 
her  thick  eye-brows  contracting  in  a  heavy  frown. 

"  I  will  take  the  risk,"  Hur  answered.  "  The  des- 
tinies of  all  are  in  God's  hands,  my  faith  is  as  firm  as 
yours,  and  behind  me  stands  the  tribe  of  Judah,  who 
follow  me  and  Naashon  as  the  sheep  follow  the  shep- 
herds. Old  Nun  and  the  Ephraimites  are  with  us,  and 
should  matters  come  to  the  worst,  it  would  mean 
perishing  according  to  God's  will,  or  in  faithful  union, 


JOSHUA.  121 

power,  and  prosperity,  awaiting  old  age  in  the  Promised 
Land." 

Miriam  fearlessly  gazed  full  into  his  stern  eyes,  laid 
her  hand  on  his  arm,  and  answered:  "  Those  words  are 
worthy  of  the  man  whom  I  have  honored  from  child- 
hood, and  who  has  reared  such  sons ;  but  I  cannot  be 
your  wife." 

"  You  cannot  ?" 

"  No,  my  lord,  I  cannot." 

"  A  hard  sentence,  but  it  must  suffice,"  replied  the 
other,  his  head  drooping  in  sorrow ;  but  Miriam  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Nay,  Hur,  you  have  a  right  to  ask  the  cause  of  my 
refusal,  and  because  I  honor  you,  I  owe  you  the  truth. 
Another  man  of  our  race  reigns  in  my  heart.  He  met 
me  for  the  first  time  when  I  was  still  a  child.  Like 
your  son  and  grandson,  he  has  lived  among  the  Egyp- 
tians, but  the  summons  of  our  God  and  of  his  father 
reached  him  as  did  the  message  to  your  sons,  and  like 
Uri  and  Bezaleel,  he  showed  himself  obedient.  If  he 
still  desires  to  wed  me,  I  shall  become  his  wife,  if  it  is 
the  will  of  the  God  whom  I  serve,  and  who  shows  me 
the  favor  of  suffering  me  to  hear  his  voice.  But  I 
shall  think  of  you  with  gratitude  forever." 

Her  large  eyes  had  been  glittering  through  tears  as 
she  uttered  the  words,  and  there  was  a  tremor  in  the 
grey-haired  lover's  voice  as  he  asked  in  hesitating,  em- 
barrassed tones : 

"  And  if  the  man  for  whom  you  are  waiting —  I  do 
not  ask  his  name  —  shuts  his  ears  to  the  call  that  has 
reached  him,  if  he  declines  to  share  the  uncertain 
destiny  of  his  people  ?" 


122  JOSHUA. 

"  That  will  never  happen !"  Miriam  interrupted,  a 
chill  creeping  through  her  veins,  but  Hur  exclaimed  : 

"  T,here  is  no  '  never,'  no  '  surely,'  save  with  God. 
If,  spite  of  your  firm  faith,  the  result  should  be  different 
from  your  expectations,  will  you  resign  to  the  Lord  the 
wish  which  began  to  stir  in  your  heart,  when  you  were 
still  a  foolish  child  ?" 

"  He  who  has  guided  me  until  now  will  show  me 
the  right  way." 

"  Well  then,"  replied  Hur,  "  put  your  trust  in  Him, 
and  if  the  man  of  your  choice  is  worthy  of  you,  and 
becomes  your  lord,  my  soul  will  rejoice  without  envy 
when  the  Most  High  blesses  your  union.  But  if  God 
wills  otherwise,  and  you  need  a  strong  arm  for  your 
support,  I  am  here.  The  tent  and  the  heart  of  Hur 
will  ever  be  open  to  you." 

With  these  words  he  turned  away;  but  Miriam 
gazed  thoughtfully  after  him  as  long  as  the  old  chief's 
stately  figure  was  visible. 

At  last,  still  pondering,  she  moved  toward  her 
host's  house,  but  at  the  road  leading  to  Tanis,  she 
paused  and  gazed  northward.  The  dust  had  subsided, 
and  she  could  see  a  long  distance,  but  the  one  person 
whom  it  was  to  lead  back  to  her  and  to  his  people  did 
not  appear.  Sighing  sadly,  she  moved  onward  with 
drooping  head,  and  started  violently  when  her  brother 
Moses'  deep  voice  called  to  her  from  the  old  sycamore. 


JOSHUA.  123 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

AARON  and  Eleasar,  with  fiery  eloquence,  had  re- 
minded the  murmuring,  disheartened  people  of  the 
power  and  promises  of  their  God.  Whoever  had 
stretched  his  limbs  undisturbed  to  comfortable  rest, 
whoever  had  been  strengthened  by  food  and  drink 
regained  the  confidence  that  had  been  lost.  The 
liberated  bondmen  were  told  of  the  hard  labor  and  dis- 
honoring blows  which  they  had  escaped  and  admon- 
ished that  they  must  recognize  as  God's  dispensation, 
among  other  things,  that  Pharaoh  had  not  pursued 
them;  but  the  rich  booty  still  found  in  the  plundered 
storehouse  had  no  small  share  in  the  revival  of  their 
drooping  courage,  and  the  bondmen  and  -lepers  —  for 
many  of  the  latter  had  accompanied  them  and  rested  out- 
side the  camp  —  in  short,  all  for  whose  support  Pharaoh 
had  provided,  saw  themselves  safe  for  a  long  time  from 
care  and  privation.  Yet  there  was  no  lack  of  malcon- 
tents, and  here  and  there,  though  no  one  knew  who 
instigated  the  question,  loud  discussion  arose  whether 
it  would  not  be  more  advisable  to  return  to  Pharaoh 
and  rely  on  his  favor.  Whoever  raised  it,  did  the 
work  secretly,  and  was  often  compelled  to  submit  to 
sharp,  threatening  retorts. 

Miriam  had  talked  with  her  brothers  and  shared 
the  heavy  anxieties  that  oppressed  them.  Why  had 
the  desert  wind  so  speedily  destroyed  the  courage  of 
the  people  during  their  brief  pilgrimage  ?  How  im- 
patient, how  weak  in  faith,  how  rebellious  they  had 


124  JOSHUA. 

showed  themselves  at  the  first  obstacle  they  had  en- 
countered, how  uncontrollable  they  had  been  in  follow- 
ing their  fierce  impulses.  When  summoned  to  prayer 
just  before  sunrise  during  their  journey,  some  had 
turned  toward  the  day-star  rising  in  the  east,  others 
had  taken  out  a  small  idol  they  had  brought  with  them, 
and  others  still  had  uplifted  their  eyes  to  the  Nile 
acacia,  which  in  some  provinces  of  Egypt  was  re- 
garded as  a  sacred  tree.  What  did  they  know  of  the 
God  who  had  commanded  them  to  cast  so  much 
behind  them  and  take  upon  themselves  such  heavy 
burdens  ?  Even  now  many  were  despairing,  though 
they  had  confronted  no  serious  dangers;  for  Moses 
had  intended  to  lead  the  Hebrews  in  Succoth  over 
the  road  to  Philistia  direct  to  the  Promised  Land  in 
Palestine,  but  the  conduct  of  the  people  forced  him  to 
resign  this  plan  and  form  another. 

To  reach  the  great  highway  connecting  Asia  and 
Africa  it  was  necessary  to  cross  the  isthmus,  which 
rather  divided  than  united  the  two  continents;  for  it 
was  most  thoroughly  guarded  from  intruders  and,  partly 
by  natural,  partly  by  artificial  obstacles,  barred  the  path 
of  every  fugitive;  a  series  of  deep  lakes  rolled  their 
waves  upon  its  soil,  and  where  these  did  not  stay  the 
march  of  the  travelers  strong  fortifications,  garrisoned 
by  trained  Egyptian  troops,  rose  before  them. 

This  chain  of  forts  was  called  Chetam  —  or  in  the 
Hebrew  tongue  —  Etham,  and  wayfarers  leaving  Suc- 
coth would  reach  the  nearest  and  strongest  of  these 
forts  in  a  few  hours. 

When  the  tribes,  full  of  enthusiasm  for  their  God, 
and  ready  for  the  most  arduous  enterprises,  shook  off 
their  chains  and,  exulting  in  their  new  liberty,  rushed 


JOSHUA.  125 

forward  to  the  Promised  Land  Moses,  and  with  him 
the  majority  of  the  elders,  had  believed  that,  like  a 
mountain  torrent,  bursting  dams  and  sluices,  they  would 
destroy  and  overthrow  everything  that  ventured  to 
oppose  their  progress.  With  these  enthusiastic  masses, 
to  whom  bold  advance  would  secure  the  highest  good, 
and  timid  hesitation  could  bring  nothing  save  death 
and  ruin,  they  had  expected  to  rush  over  the  Etham 
line  as  if  it  were  a  pile  of  faggots.  But  now  since  a 
short  chain  of  difficulties  and  suffering  had  stifled  the 
fire  of  their  souls,  now  that  wherever  the  eye  turned, 
there  were  two  calm  and  five  dissatisfied  or  anxious 
individuals  to  one  upheld  by  joyous  anticipation,  to 
storm  the  Etham  line  would  have  cost  rivers  of  blood 
and  moreover  jeopardized  all  that  had  been  already 
gained. 

The  overpowering  of  the  little  garrison  in  the  store- 
house of  Pithom  had  occurred  under  specially  favorable 
circumstances,  which  could  hardly  be  expected  to  happen 
again,  so  the  original  plan  must  be  changed,  and  an 
attempt  made  to  take  a  circuit  around  the  fortifications. 
Instead  of  moving  toward  the  northeast,  the  tribes 
must  turn  southward. 

But,  ere  carrying  this  plan  into  execution,  Moses, 
accompanied  by  a  few  trusty  men,  desired  to  examine 
the  new  route  and  ascertain  whether  it  would  be  pass- 
able for  the  great  wandering  people. 

These  matters  were  discussed  under  the  great  syca- 
more in  front  of  Amminadab's  house,  and  Miriam  was 
present,  a  mute  witness. 

Women,  —  even  those  like  herself,  —  were  forced 
to  keep  silence  when  men  were  holding  counsel ;  yet  it 
was  hard  for  her  to  remain  speechless  when  it  was 


126  JOSHUA. 

decided  to  abstain  from  attacking  the  forts,  even  should 
the  trained  warrior,  Hosea,  whom  God  Himself  had 
chosen  to  be  his  sword,  return  to  his  people. 

"  What  -avails  the  best  leader,  if  there  is  no  army  to 
obey  him?"  Naashon,  Amminadab's  son,  had  ex- 
claimed, and  the  others  shared  his  opinion. 

When  the  council  finally  broke  up,  Moses  took 
leave  of  his  sister  with  fraternal  affection.  She  knew 
that  he  was  in  the  act  of  plunging  into  fresh  dangers 
and  —  in  the  modest  manner  in  which  she  was  always 
wont  to  accost  the  brother  who  so  far  surpassed  all 
others  in  every  gift  of  mind  and  body,  —  expressed  her 
anxiety.  He  looked  into  her  eyes  with  friendly  re- 
proach and  raised  his  right  hand  toward  heaven ;  but 
she  understood  his  meaning,  and  kissing  his  hand  with 
grateful  warmth,  replied  : 

"  You  stand  under  the  protection  of  the  Most  High, 
and  I  fear  no  longer." 

Pressing  his  lips  upon  her  brow,  he  bade  her  give 
him  a  tablet,  wrote  a  few  words  on  it,  flung  it  into  the 
hollow  trunk  of  the  sycamore,  and  said  : 

"  For  Hosea,  no,  for  Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  if  he 
comes  while  I  am  absent.  The  Lord  has  great  deeds 
for  him  to  accomplish,  when  he  learns  to  expect  loftier 
things  from  the  Most  High  than  from  the  mighty  ones 
of  earth." 

With  these  words  he  left  her;  but  Aaron  who,  as 
the  oldest,  was  the  head  of  her  tribe,  lingered  and 
told  her  that  a  man  of  worth  sought  her  hand.  Miri- 
am, with  blanching  face,  replied  : 

"  I  know  it.  .  .  ." 

He  looked  at  her  in  surprise  and  with  earnest 
monition,  added : 


JOSHUA.  127 

"  As  you  choose ;  yet  it  will  be  wise  to  consider  this. 
Your  heart  belongs  to  your  God  and  to  your  people, 
and  the  man  whom  you  wed  must  be  ready,  like  your- 
self, to  serve  both  ;  for  two  must  be  one  in  marriage, 
and  if  the  highest  aim  of  one  is  not  also  that  of  the 
other,  they  will  remain  two  till  the  end.  The  voice  of 
the  senses,  which  drew  them  together,  will  soon  be  mute 
and  nothing  will  be  left  to  them  save  discord. 

Having  said  this,  he  went  away,  and  she,  too, 
was  preparing  to  leave  the  others ;  for  on  the  eve  of 
departure  she  might  be  needed  in  the  house  whose 
hospitality  she  enjoyed.  But  a  new  incident  detained 
her,  as  though  bound  with  fetters,  under  the  syca- 
more. 

What  cared  she  for  the  packing  of  perishable  wares 
and  providing  for  bodily  needs,  when  affairs  which  oc- 
cupied her  whole  soul  were  under  discussion !  Elisheba, 
Naashon's  wife,  any  housekeeper  and  faithful  slave 
could  attend  to  the  former  wants.  Higher  things  were 
to  be  determined  here  —  the  weal  or  woe  of  her 
people. 

Several  men  of  distinction  in  the  tribes  had  joined 
the  elders  under  the  sycamore ;  but  Hur  had  already 
departed  with  Moses. 

Uri,  the  son  of  the  former,  now  appeared  beneath 
the  ancient  tree.  The  worker  in  metals,  who  had  just 
come  from  Egypt,  had  talked  in  Memphis  with  persons 
who  were  near  to  the  king  and  learned  that  Pharaoh 
was  ready  to  remove  great  burdens  from  the  Hebrews 
and  grant  them  new  favors,  if  Moses  would  render  the 
God  whom  he  served  propitious  to  him  and  induce  the 
people  to  return  after  they  had  offered  sacrifices  in  the 
wilderness.  Therefore  it  would  be  advisable  to  send 


128  JOSHUA. 

envoys  to  Tanis  and  enter  into  negotiations  with  the 
Sublime  Porte. 

These  proposals,  which  Uri  had  not  yet  ventured  to 
moot  to  his  father,  he,  with  good  intentions,  brought 
before  the  assembled  elders ;  he  hoped  that  their  accept- 
ance might  spare  the  people  great  suffering.  But 
scarcely  had  he  concluded  his  clear  and  convincing 
speech,  when  old  Nun,  Hosea's  father,  who  had  with 
difficulty  held  his  feelings  in  check,  broke  in. 

The  old  man's  face,  usually  so  cheerful,  glowed 
with  wrath,  and  its  fiery  hue  formed  a  strange  contrast 
to  the  thick  white  locks  which  framed  it.  A  few  hours 
before  he  had  heard  Moses  repel  similar  propositions 
with  harsh  decision  and  crushing  reasons ;  now  he  had 
heard  them  again  brought  forward  and  noted  many  a 
gesture  of  assent  among  the  listeners,  and  saw  the  whole 
great  enterprise  imperilled,  the  enterprise  for  whose 
success  he  had  himself  risked  and  sacrificed  more  than 
any  other  man. 

This  was  too  much  for  the  active  old  man  who,  with 
flashing  eyes  and  hand  upraised  in  menace,  burst  forth  : 
"  What  do  you  mean  ?  Are  we  to  pick  up  the 
ends  of  the  rope  the  Lord  our  God  has  severed  ?  Do 
you  counsel  us  to  fasten  it  anew,  with  a  looser  knot, 
which  will  hold  as  long  as  the  whim  of  a  vacillating 
weakling  who  has  broken  his  promises  to  us  and  to 
Moses  a  score  of  times  ?  Do  you  wish  to  lead  us  back 
to  the  cage  whence  the  Almighty  released  us  by  a 
miracle  ?  Are  we  to  treat  the  Lord  our  God  like  a  bad 
debtor  and  prefer  the  spurious  gold  ring  we  are  offered 
to  the  royal  treasures  He  promises?  Oh,  messenger 
from  the  Egyptians  —  I  would  .  .  .  ." 

Here  the  hot-blooded  grey-beard  raised  his  clenched 


JOSHUA.  129 

fist  in  menace  but,  ere  he  had  uttered  the  threat  that 
hovered  on  his  lips,  he  let  his  arm  fall ;  for  Gabriel,  the 
oldest  member  of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  shouted  : 

"  Remember  your  own  son,  who  is  to-day  among 
the  foes  of  his  people." 

The  words  struck  home ;  yet  they  only  dimmed  the 
fiery  old  man's  glad  self-reliance  a  moment  and,  amid 
the  voices  uttering  disapproval  of  the  malicious  Gabriel 
and  the  few  who  upheld  the  Zebulunite,  he  cried  : 

"  And  because  I  am  perhaps  in  danger  of  losing, 
not  only  the  ten  thousand  acres  of  land  I  flung  behind 
me,  but  a  noble  son,  it  is  my  right  to  speak  here." 

His  broad  chest  heaved  with  his  labored  breathing 
and  his  eyes,  shadowed  by  thick  white  brows,  rested 
with  a  milder  expression  on  the  son  of  Hur,  whose 
face  had  paled  at  his  vehement  words,  as  he  con- 
tinued : 

"  Uri  is  a  good  and  dutiful  son  to  his  father  and  has 
also  been  obliged  to  make  great  sacrifices  in  leaving  the 
place  where  his  work  was  so  much  praised  and  his  own 
house  in  Memphis.  The  blessing  of  the  Most  High 
will  not  fail  him.  But  for  the  very  reason  that  he  has 
hitherto  obeyed  the  command,  he  must  not  now  seek  to 
destroy  what  we  have  commenced  under  the  guidance 
of  the  Most  High.  To  you,  Gabriel,  I  answer  that  my 
son  probably  will  not  tarry  among  our  foes,  but  obedi- 
ent to  my  summons,  will  join  us,  like  Uri,  the  first-born  of 
Hur.  What  still  detains  him  is  doubtless  some  important 
matter  of  which  Hosea  will  have  as  little  cause  to  be 
ashamed  as  I,  his  father.  I  know  and  trust  him,  and 
whoever  expects  aught  else  will  sooner  or  later,  by  my 
son's  course  of  action,  be  proved  a  liar." 

Here  he  paused  to  push  his  white  hair  back  from 


130  JOSHUA. 

his  burning  brow  and,  as  no  one  contradicted  him,  he 
turned  to  the  worker  in  metals,  and  added  with  cordial 
friendliness : 

"  What  angered  me,  Uri,  was  certainly  not  your 
purpose.  That  is  a  good  one ;  but  you  have  measured 
the  greatness  and  majesty  of  the  God  of  our  fathers  by 
the  standard  of  the  false  gods  of  the  Egyptians,  who 
die  and  rise  again  and,  as  Aaron  has  just  said,  represent 
only  minor  attributes  of  Him  who  is  in  all  and  tran- 
scends everything.  To  serve  God,  until  Moses  taught 
me  a  better  counsel,  I  deemed  meant  to  sacrifice  an  ox, 
a  lamb,  or  a  goose  upon  the  altar  like  the  Egyptians  ; 
but  your  eyes,  as  befell  me  through  Moses,  will  not  be 
opened  to  Him  who  rules  the  world  and  has  made  us 
His  people,  until,  like  me,  you,  and  all  of  us,  and  prob- 
ably my  son  also,  shall  each  have  kindled  in  his  own 
breast  the  sacrificial  fire  which  never  goes  out  and  con- 
sumes everything  that  does  not  relate  to  Him  in  love  and 
loyalty,  faith  and  reverence.  Through  Moses,  His  ser- 
vant, God  has  promised  us  the  greatest  blessings  —  de- 
liverance from  bondage,  the  privilege  of  ruling  on  our 
own  land  as  free  men  in  a  beautiful  country,  our  own 
possession  and  the  heritage  of  our  children.  We  are 
going  forth  to  receive  His  gift,  and  whoever  seeks  to  stop 
us  on  our  way,  whoever  urges  us  to  turn  and  creep  back 
into  the  net  whose  brazen  meshes  we  have  burst,  advises 
his  people  to  run  once  more  like  sheep  into  the  fire  from 
which  they  have  escaped.  I  am  not  angry  with  you ; 
your  face  shows  that  you  perceive  how  foolishly  you 
have  erred ;  but  all  ye  who  are  here  must  know  that  I 
heard  only  a  few  hours  ago  from  Moses'  own  lips  these 
words  :  '  Whoever  counsels  return  and  the  making  of 
covenants  with  the  Egyptians,  I  will  denounce  as  a 


JOSHUA.  131 

scorner  of  Jehovah  our  God,  and  the  destroyer  and 
worst  foe  of  his  people  1'  " 

Uri  went  to  the  old  man,  gave  him  his  hand,  and 
deeply  convinced  of  the  justice  of  his  reproaches,  ex- 
claimed :  "  No  treaty,  no  covenant  with  the  Egyp- 
tians !  I  am  grateful  to  you,  Nun,  for  opening  my 
eyes.  To  me,  also,  the  hour  will  doubtless  come  in 
which  you,  or  some  one  who  stands  nearer  to  Him  than 
I,  will  teach  me  to  know  your  God,  who  is  also  mine." 

As  he  ceased  speaking,  he  went  away  with  Nun, 
who  put  his  arm  around  his  shoulders;  but  Miriam  had 
listened  breathlessly  to  Uri's  last  words,  and  as  he  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  know  the  God  of  his  people,  her 
eyes  had  sparkled  with  the  light  of  enthusiasm.  She 
felt  that  her  soul  was  filled  with  the  greatness  of  the 
Most  High  and  that  she  had  the  gift  of  speech  to  make 
another  familiar  with  the  knowledge  she  herself  pos- 
sessed. But  this  time  also  custom  required  her  to  keep 
silence.  Her  heart  ached,  and  as  she  again  moved 
among  the  multitude  and  convinced  herself  that  Hosea 
had  not  yet  come,  she  went  home,  as  twilight  was  be- 
ginning to  gather,  and  joined  the  others  on  the  roof. 

No  one  there  appeared  to  have  missed  her,  not  even 
poor  melancholy  Milcah,  and  she  felt  unutterably  lonely 
in  this  house. 

If  Hosea  would  only  come,  if  she  might  have  a 
strong  breast  on  which  to  lean,  if  this  sense  of  being  a 
stranger  in  her  own  home,  this  useless  life  beneath  the 
roof  she  was  obliged  to  call  hers,  though  she  never 
felt  thoroughly  at  home  under  it,  would  but  cease  ! 

Moses  and  Aaron,  too,  had  gone  away,  taking  Hur's 
grandson  with  them ;  but  no  one  had  deemed  her,  who 
lived  and  breathed  solely  for  her  people  and  their 


132  JOSHUA. 

welfare,  worthy  to  learn  whither  their  journey  led  or 
what  was  its  purpose. 

Why  had  the  God  to  whom  she  devoted  her  whole 
life  and  being  made  her  a  woman,  yet  given  her  the 
mind  and  soul  of  a  man  ? 

She  waited,  as  if  to  test  whether  any  of  the  circle  of 
kindly-natured  people  to  which  she  belonged  really 
loved  her,  for  some  one  of  the  elders  or  the  children  to 
accost  her;  but  Eleasar's  little  ones  were  pressing 
around  their  grandparents,  and  she  had  never  under- 
stood how  to  make  herself  agreeable  to  children. 
Elisheba  was  directing  the  slaves  who  were  putting  the 
finishing  touches  to  the  packing ;  Milcah  sat  with  her 
cat  in  her  lap,  gazing  into  vacancy.  No  one  heeded 
or  spoke  to  her. 

Bitter  pain  overpowered  Miriam,  and  after  she  had 
shared  the  evening  meal  with  the  others,  and  forced 
herself  not  to  disturb  by  her  own  sorrowful  mood,  the 
joyous  excitement  of  the  children,  who  looked  forward 
to  the  pilgrimage  as  a  great  pleasure,  she  longed  to 
go  out  of  doors. 

Closely  veiled,  she  passed  alone  through  the  camp 
and  what  she  beheld  there  was  certainly  ill-suited  to 
dispel  the  mood  that  oppressed  her.  There  was  plenty 
of  noise,  and  though  sometimes  devout  hymns,  full  of 
joy  and  hope,  echoed  on  the  air,  she  heard  far  more 
frequently  savage  quarrelling  and  rebellious  words. 
When  her  ear  caught  threats  or  reproaches  levelled 
against  her  noble  brother,  she  quickened  her  pace,  but 
she  could  not  escape  her  anxiety  concerning  what 
would  happen  at  the  departure  after  sunrise  on  the 
morrow,  should  the  malcontents  obtain  supremacy. 

She  knew  that  the  people  would  be  forced  to  press 


JOSHUA.  133 

forward;  but  her  dread  of  Pharaoh's  military  power 
had  never  permitted  her  to  be  at  peace  —  to  her  it  was 
as  it  were  embodied  in  Hosea's  heroic  figure.  If  the 
Lord  Himself  did  not  fight  in  the  ranks  of  the  wretched 
bondmen  and  shepherds  who  were  quarrelling  and  dis- 
puting around  her,  how  were  they  to  withstand  the 
well-trained  and  equipped  hosts  of  the  Egyptians,  with 
their  horses  and  chariots  ? 

She  had  heard  that  guards  had  been  posted  in  all 
parts  of  the  camp,  with  orders  to  sound  the  horn  or 
strike  the  cymbal  at  the  approach  of  the  foe,  until  the 
men  had  flocked  to  the  spot  whence  the  warning  first 
echoed. 

She  had  long  listened  for  such  an  alarm,  yet  how 
much  more  intently  for  the  hoof-beats  of  a  single  steed, 
the  firm  step  and  deep  voice  of  the  warrior  for  whom  she 
yearned.  On  his  account  she  constantly  returned  to  the 
northern  part  of  the  camp  which  adjoined  the  road 
coming  from  Tanis  and  where  now,  at  Moses'  bidding, 
the  tents  of  most  of  the  men  capable  of  bearing  arms 
were  pitched.  Here  she  had  hoped  to  find  true  con- 
fidence; but  as  she  listened  to  the  talk  of  the  armed 
soldiers  who  surrounded  the  camp-fires  in  dense  circles, 
she  heard  that  Uri's  proposal  had  reached  them  also. 
Most  of  them  were  husbands  and  fathers,  had  left  behind 
a  house,  a  bit  of  land,  a  business,  or  an  office,  and 
though  many  spoke  of  the  command  of  the  Most  High 
and  the  beautiful  new  home  God  had  promised,  not  a 
few  were  disposed  to  return.  How  gladly  she  would 
have  gone  among  these  blinded  mortals  and  exhorted 
them  to  obey  with  fresh  faith  and  confidence  the  com- 
mand of  the  Lord  and  of  her  brother.  But  here,  too, 
she  was  forced  to  keep  silence.  She  was  permitted  to 


134  JOSHUA. 

listen  only,  and  she  was  most  strongly  attracted  to  the 
very  places  where  she  might  expect  to  hear  rebellious 
words  and  proposals. 

There  was  a  mysterious  charm  in  this  cruel  excite- 
ment and  she  felt  as  if  she  were  deprived  of  something 
desirable  when  many  a  fire  was  extinguished,  the 
soldiers  went  to  sleep,  and  conversation  ceased. 

She  now  turned  for  the  last  time  toward  the  road 
leading  from  Tanis ;  but  nothing  was  stirring  there  save 
the  sentries  pacing  to  and  fro. 

She  had  not  yet  doubted  Hosea's  coming;  for  the 
summons  she  had  sent  to  him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
had  undoubtedly  reached  him ;  but  now  that  the  stars 
showed  her  it  was  past  midnight,  the  thought  came 
vividly  before  her  mind  of  the  many  years  he  had 
spent  among  the  Egyptians,  and  that  he  might  perhaps 
deem  it  unworthy  of  a  man  to  obey  the  call  of  a 
woman,  even  if  she  uplifted  her  voice  in  the  name  of 
the  Most  High.  She  had  experienced  humiliations 
enough  that  day,  why  should  not  this  be  decreed  also  ? 


CHAPTER   XIV 

DEEPLY  disturbed  and  tortured  by  such  thoughts, 
Miriam  walked  toward  Amminadab's  house  to  seek 
repose ;  but  just  as  she  was  in  the  act  of  crossing  the 
threshold,  she  paused  and  again  listened  for  sounds 
coming  from  the  north. 

Hosea  must  arrive  from  that  direction. 


JOSHUA.  135 

But  she  heard  nothing  save  the  footsteps  of  a 
sentinel  and  the  voice  of  Hur,  who  was  patrolling  the 
camp  with  a  body  of  armed  men. 

He,  too,  had  been  unable  to  stay  in  the  house. 

The  night  was  mild  and  starry,  the  time  seemed 
just  suited  for  dreams  under  the  sycamore.  Her  bench 
beneath  the  venerable  tree  was  empty,  and  with  droop- 
ing head  she  approached  the  beloved  resting-place, 
which  she  must  leave  forever  on  the  morrow. 

But  ere  she  had  reached  the  spot  so  close  at  hand, 
she  paused  with  her  figure  drawn  up  to  its  full  height 
and  her  hand  pressed  upon  her  throbbing  bosom.  This 
time  she  was  not  mistaken,  the  beat  of  hoofs  echoed  on 
the  air,  and  it  came  from  the  north. 

Were  Pharaoh's  chariots  approaching  to  attack  the 
camp  ?  Should  she  shout  to  wake  the  warriors  ?  Or 
could  it  be  he  whom  she  so  longingly  expected  ?  Yes, 
yes,  yes!  It  was  the  tramp  of  a  single  steed,  and 
must  be  a  new  arrival ;  for  there  were  loud  voices  in 
the  tents,  the  dogs  barked,  and  shouts,  questions,  and 
answers  came  nearer  and  nearer  with  the  rider. 

It  was  Hosea,  she  felt  sure.  His  riding  alone 
through  the  night,  released  from  the  bonds  that  united 
him  to  Pharaoh  and  his  comrades  in  arms,  was  a  sign 
of  his  obedience!  Love  had  steeled  his  will  and 
quickened  the  pace  of  his  steed,  and  the  gratitude  df 
answering  affection,  the  reward  she  could  bestow,  should 
be  withheld  no  longer.  In  her  arms  he  should  bliss- 
fully perceive  that  he  had  resigned  great  possessions  to 
obtain  something  still  fairer  and  sweeter !  She  felt  as 
though  the  darkness  around  had  suddenly  brightened 
into  broad  day,  as  her  ear  told  her  that  the  approach- 
ing horseman  was  riding  straight  toward  the  house  of 


136  JOSHUA. 

her  host  Amminadab.  She  now  knew  that  he  was 
obeying  her  summons,  that  he  had  come  to  find  her. 

Hosea  was  seeking  her  ere  he  went  to  his  own 
father,  who  had  found  shelter  in  the  big  empty  house 
of  his  grandson,  Ephraim. 

He  would  gladly  have  dashed  toward  her  at  the 
swiftest  pace  of  his  steed,  but  it  would  not  do  to  ride 
rapidly  through  the  camp.  Ah,  how  long  the  time 
seemed  ere  she  at  last  saw  the  horseman,  ere  he  swung 
himself  to  the  ground,  and  his  companion  flung  the 
reins  of  the  horse  to  a  man  who  followed  him. 

It  was  he,  it  was  Hosea  ! 

But  his  companion  —  she  had  recognized  him  dis- 
tinctly and  shrank  a  little  —  his  companion  was  Hur, 
the  man  who  a  few  hours  before  had  sought  her  for  his 
wife. 

There  stood  her  two  suitors  side  by  side  in  the  star- 
light, illumined  by  the  glare  of  the  pitch  torches  blaz- 
ing beside  the  carts  and  household  utensils  which  had 
been  packed  for  the  morrow's  journey. 

The  tall  figure  of  the  elder  Hebrew  towered  over 
the  sinewy  form  of  the  warrior,  and  the  shepherd 
prince  bore  himself  no  whit  less  erect  than  the  Egyp- 
tian hero.  Both  voices  sounded  earnest  and  manly, 
yet  her  lover's  seemed  to  Miriam  stronger  and  deeper. 
They  had  now  advanced  so  near  that  she  could  under- 
stand their  conversation. 

Hur  was  telling  the  newcomer  that  Moses  had 
gone  on  a  reconnoitring  expedition,  and  Hosea  was 
expressing  his  regret,  because  he  had  important  matters 
to  discuss  with  him. 

Then   he   must   set  out  with   the  tribes   the   next 


JOSHUA.  137 

morning,  Hur  replied,  for  Moses  intended  to  join  them 
on  the  way. 

Then  he  pointed  to  Amminadab's  house,  from  which 
no  ray  of  light  gleamed  through  the  darkness,  and 
asked  Hosea  to  spend  the  remainder  of  the  night 
beneath  his  roof,  as  he  probably  would  not  wish  to 
disturb  his  aged  father  at  so  late  an  hour. 

Miriam  saw  her  friend  hesitate  and  gaze  intently  up 
to  the  women's  apartments  and  the  roof  of  her  host's 
house.  Knowing  what  he  sought,  she  could  no  longer 
resist  the  impulse  of  her  heart,  but  stepped  forth  from 
the  shadow  of  the  sycamore  and  gave  Hosea  a  cordial 
and  tender  welcome. 

He,  too,  disdained  to  conceal  the  joy  of  his  heart, 
and  Hur  stood  beside  the  reunited  lovers,  as  they 
clasped  each  other's  hands,  and  exchanged  greetings, 
at  first  mutely,  then  with  warm  words. 

"  I  knew  you  would  come!"  cried  the  maiden,  and 
Hosea  answered  with  joyful  emotion. 

"  You  might  easily  suppose  so,  oh  Prophetess ;  for 
your  own  voice  was  among  those  that  summoned  me 
here." 

Then  in  a  calmer  tone,  he  added  :  "  I  hoped  to 
find  your  brother  also;  I  am  the  bearer  of  a  message 
of  grave  import  to  him,  to  us,  and  to  the  people.  I  see 
that  you,  too,  are  ready  to  depart  and  should  grieve  to 
behold  the  comfort  of  your  aged  hosts  destroyed  by 
hasty  acts  that  may  yet  be  needless." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?"  asked  Hur,  advancing  a 
step  nearer  to  the  other. 

"  I  mean,"  replied  Hosea,  "  that  if  Moses  persists 
in  leading  the  tribes  eastward,  much  blood  will  flow 
uselessly  to-morrow  ;  for  I  learned  at  Tanis  that  the 


158  JOSHUA. 

garrison  of  Etham  has  been  ordered  to  let  no  man  pacs, 
still  less  the  countless  throng,  whose  magnitude  surprised 
me  as  I  rode  through  the  camp.  I  know  Apu,  who 
commands  the  fortifications  and  the  legions  whom  he 
leads.  There  would  be  a  terrible,  fruitless  massacre  of 
our  half-armed,  untrained  people,  there  would  be  —  in 
short,  I  have  urgent  business  to  discuss  with  Moses, 
urgent  and  immediate,  to  avert  the  heaviest  misfortune 
ere  it  is  too  late." 

"  What  you  fear  has  not  escaped  our  notice,"  replied 
Hur,  "  and  it  is  in  order  to  guard  against  this  peril  that 
Moses  has  set  forth  on  a  dangerous  quest." 

"  Whither  ?"  asked  Hosea. 

"  That  is  the  secret  of  the  leaders  of  the  tribes." 

"  Of  which  my  father  is  one." 

"  Certainly  ;  and  I  have  already  offered  to  take  you 
to  him.  If  he  assumes  the  responsibility  of  informing 
you  .  .  .  ." 

"  Should  he  deem  it  a  breach  of  duty,  he  will  keep 
silence.  Who  is  to  command  the  wandering  hosts  to- 
morrow ?" 

"  I." 

"  You  ?"  asked  Hosea  in  astonishment,  and  Hur 
answered  calmly  : 

"  You  marvel  at  the  audacity  of  the  shepherd  who 
ventures  to  lead  an  army ;  but  the  Lord  of  all  armies, 
to  whom  we  trust  our  cause,  is  our  leader ;  I  rely  solely 
on  His  guidance." 

"  And  so  do  I,"  replied  Hosea.  "  No  one  save  the 
God  through  whom  Miriam  summoned  me  to  this  spot, 
entrusted  me —  of  that  I  am  confident  —  with  the  im- 
portant message  which  brings  me  here.  I  must  find 
Moses  ere  it  is  too  late." 


JOSHUA.  139 

"  You  have  already  heard  that  he  will  be  beyond 
the  reach  of  any  one,  myself  included,  until  to-morrow, 
perhaps  the  day  after.  Will  you  speak  to  Aaron  ?" 

"  Is  he  in  the  camp  ?" 

"  No ;  but  we  expect  his  return  before  the  departure 
of  the  people,  that  is  in  a  few  hours." 

"Has  he  the  power  to  decide  important  matters  in 
Moses'  absence  ?" 

"  No,  he  merely  announces  to  the  people  in  more 
eloquent  language  what  his  illustrious  brother  com- 
mands." 

The  warrior  bent  his  eyes  with  a  disappointed 
expression  on  the  ground,  and  after  a  brief  pause  for 
reflection  eagerly  added,  fixing  his  gaze  on  Miriam : 

"  It  is  Moses  to  whom  the  Lord  our  God  announces 
his  will ;  but  to  you,  his  august  maiden  sister,  the  Most 
High  also  reveals  himself,  to  you  .  .  .  ." 

"  Oh,  Hosea  !"  interrupted  the  prophetess,  extend- 
ing her  hands  toward  him  with  a  gesture  of  mingled 
entreaty  and  warning ;  but  the  chief,  instead  of  heeding 
her  monition,  went  on  : 

"  The  Lord  our  God  hath  commanded  you  to  sum- 
mon me,  His  servant,  back  to  the  people;  He  hath 
commanded  you  to  give  me  the  name  for  which  I  am 
to  exchange  the  one  my  father  and  mother  bestowed 
upon  me,  and  which  I  have  borne  in  honor  for  thirty 
years.  Obedient  to  your  summons,  I  have  cast  aside 
all  that  could  make  me  great  among  men  ;  but  on  my 
way  through  Egypt,  —  bearing  in  my  heart  the  image 
of  my  God  and  of  you,  —  braving  death,  the  mes- 
sage I  now  have  to  deliver  was  entrusted  to  me,  and  I 
believe  that  it  came  from  the  Most  High  Himself.  It  is 
my  duty  to  convey  it  to  the  leaders  of  the  people ;  but 


140  JOSHUA. 

as  I  am  unable  to  find  Moses,  I  can  confide  it  to  no 
better  one  than  you  who,  though  only  a  woman, 
stand,  —  next  to  your  brother  —  nearest  to  the  Most 
High,  so  I  implore  you  to  listen  to  me.  The  tidings  I 
bring  are  not  yet  ripe  for  the  ears  of  a  third  person." 

Hur  drew  his  figure  to  a  still  greater  height  and,  in- 
terrupting Hosea,  asked  Miriam  whether  she  desired  to 
hear  the  son  of  Nun  without  witnesses ;  she  answered 
with  a  quiet  "  yes." 

Then  Hur  turned  haughtily  and  coldly  to  the 
warrior : 

"I  think  that  Miriam  knows  the  Lord's  will,  as  well 
as  her  brother's,  and  is  aware  of  what  beseems  the 
women  of  Israel.  If  I  am  not  mistaken,  it  was  under 
this  tree  that  your  own  father,  the  worthy  Nun,  gave  to 
my  son  Uri  the  sole  answer  which  Moses  must  also 
make  to  every  bearer  of  a  message  akin  to  yours." 

"  Do  you  know  it  ?"  asked  Hosea  in  a  tone  of  curt 
reproof. 

"  No,"  replied  the  other,  "  but  I  suspect  its  purport, 
and  look  here." 

While  speaking  he  stooped  with  youthful  agility 
and,  raising  two  large  stones  with  his  powerful  arms, 
propped  them  against  each  other,  rolled  several  smaller 
ones  to  their  sides,  and  then,  with  panting  breath,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Let  this  heap  be  a  witness  between  me  and  thee, 
like  the  stones  named  Mizpah  which  Jacob  and  Laban 
erected.  And  as  the  latter  called  upon  the  Lord  to 
watch  between  him  and  the  other,  so  do  I  likewise.  I 
point  to  this  heap  that  you  may  remember  it,  when 
we  are  parted  one  from  the  other.  I  lay  my  hand  upon 
these  stones  and  bear  witness  that  I,  Hur,  son  of  Caleb 


JOSHUA.  141 

and  Ephrath,  put  my  trust  in  no  other  than  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  our  fathers,  and  am  ready  to  obey  His  com- 
mand, which  calls  us  forth  from  the  kingdom  of 
Pharaoh  into  a  land  which  He  promised  to  us.  But  of 
thee,  Hosea,  son  of  Nun,  I  ask  and  the  Lord  our  God 
hears  thee  :  Dost  thou,  too,  expect  no  other  help  save 
from  the  God  of  Abraham,  who  has  made  thy  race  His 
chosen  people  ?  And  wilt  thou  also  testify  whether 
thou  wilt  ever  regard  the  Egyptians  who  oppressed  us, 
and  from  whose  bondage  the  Lord  our  God  delivered 
us,  as  the  mortal  foes  of  thy  God  and  of  thy  race?" 

The  warrior's  bearded  features  quivered,  and  he 
longed  to  overthrow  the  heap  and  answer  the  trouble- 
some questioner  with  wrathful  words,  but  Miriam  had 
laid  her  hand  on  the  top  of  the  pile  of  stones,  and 
clasping  his  right  hand,  exclaimed  : 

"  He  is  questioning  you  in  the  presence  of  our  God 
and  Lord,  who  is  your  witness." 

Hosea  succeeded  in  controlling  his  wrath,  and 
pressing  the  maiden's  hand  more  closely,  he  answered 
earnestly  : 

"He  questions,  but  I  may  not  answer;  '  yea  '  or 
'  nay  '  will  be  of  little  service  here  ;  but  I,  too,  call  God 
to  witness,  and  before  this  heap  you,  Miriam,  but  you 
alone,  shall  hear  what  I  propose  and  for  what  purpose 
I  have  come.  Look,  Hur !  Like  you  I  lay  my  hand 
upon  this  heap  and  bear  witness  that  I,  Hosea,  son  of 
Nun,  put  my  sole  trust  in  the  Lord  and  God  of  our 
fathers.  He  stands  as  a  witness  between  me  and  thee, 
and  shall  decide  whether  my  way  is  His,  or  that  of  an 
erring  mortal.  I  will  obey  His  will,  which  He  has 
made  known  to  Moses  and  to  this  noble  maiden.  This 
I  swear  by  an  oath  whose  witness  is  the  Lord  our  God." 


142  JOSHUA. 

Hur  had  listened  intently  and,  impressed  by  the 
earnestness  of  the  words,  now  exclaimed  : 

"  The  Lord  our  God  has  heard  your  vow  and 
against  your  oath  I,  in  the  presence  of  this  heap,  take 
another :  If  the  hour  comes  when,  mindful  of  this 
heap  of  stones,  you  give  the  testimony  you  have  re- 
fused me.  there  shall  henceforward  be  no  ill-will  be- 
tween us,  and  if  it  is  in  accordance  with  the  will  of  the 
Most  High,  I  will  cheerfully  resign  to  you  the  office  of 
commander,  which  you,  trained  in  many  wars,  would 
be  better  suited  to  fill  than  I,  who  hitherto  have  ruled 
only  my  flocks  and  shepherds.  But  you,  Miriam,  I 
charge  to  remember  that  this  heap  of  stones  will  also 
be  a  witness  of  the  colloquy  you  are  to  hold  with  this 
man  in  the  presence  of  God.  I  remind  you  of  the  re- 
proving words  you  heard  beneath  this  tree  from  the  lips 
of  his  father,  and  call  God  to  witness  that  I  would  have 
darkened  the  life  of  my  son  Uri,  who  is  the  joy  of  my 
heart,  with  a  father's  curse  if  he  had  gone  among  the 
people  to  induce  them  to  favor  the  message  he  brought ; 
for  it  would  have  turned  those  of  little  faith  from  their 
God.  Remember  this,  maiden,  and  let  me  say  again  : 
If  you  seek  me  you  will  find  me,  and  the  door  I 
opened  will  remain  open  to  you,  whatever  may  hap- 
pen !" 

With  these  words  Hur  turned  his  back  upon  Miriam 
and  the  warrior. 

Neither  knew  what  had  befallen  them,  but  he  who 
during  the  long  ride  beset  by  many  a  peril  had  yearned 
with  ardent  anticipations  for  the  hour  which  was  to  once 
more  unite  him  to  the  object  of  his  love,  gazed  on 
the  ground  full  of  bewilderment  and  profound  anxiety, 
while  Miriam  who,  at  his  approach,  had  been  ready  to 


JOSHUA.  143 

bestow  upon  him  the  highest,  sweetest  gifts  with  which 
a  loving  woman  rewards  fidelity  and  love,  had  sunk  to 
the  earth  before  the  ominous  pile  of  stones  close  beside 
the  tree  and  pressed  her  forehead  against  its  gnarled, 
hollow  trunk. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

FOR  a  long  time  nothing  was  heard  beneath  the 
sycamore  save  Miriam's  low  moans  and  the  impatient 
footsteps  of  the  warrior  who,  while  struggling  for  com- 
posure, did  not  venture  to  disturb  her. 

He  could  not  yet  understand  what  had  suddenly 
towered  like  a  mountain  between  him  and  the  object  of 
his  love. 

He  had  learned  from  Hur's  words  that  his  father 
and  Moses  rejected  all  mediation,  yet  the  promises  he 
was  bearing  to  the  people  seemed  to  him  a  merciful 
gift  from  the  Most  High.  None  of  his  race  yet  knew 
it  and,  if  Moses  was  the  man  whom  he  believed  him  to 
be,  the  Lord  must  open  his  eyes  and  show  him  that  he 
had  chosen  him,  Hosea,  to  lead  the  people  through  his 
mediation  to  a  fairer  future ;  nor  did  he  doubt  that  He 
could  easily  win  his  father  over  to  his  side.  He  would 
even  have  declared  a  second  time,  with  the  firmest 
faith,  that  it  was  the  Most  High  who  had  pointed  out  his 
path,  and  after  reflecting  upon  all  this  he  approached 
Miriam,  who  had  at  last  risen,  with  fresh  confidence. 
His  loving  heart  prompted  him  to  clasp  her  in  his 
arms,  but  she  thrust  him  back  and  her  voice,  usually  so 
pure  and  clear,  sounded  harsh  and  muffled  as  she  asked 


144  JOSHUA. 

why  he  had  lingered  so  long  and  what  he  intended  to 
confide  to  her. 

While  cowering  under  the  sycamore,  she  had  not 
only  struggled  and  prayed  for  composure,  but  also 
gazed  into  her  own  soul.  She  loved  Hosea,  but  she  sus- 
pected that  he  came  with  proposals  similar  to  those  of 
Uri,  and  the  wrathful  words  of  hoary  Nun  rang  in  her 
ears  more  loudly  than  ever.  The  fear  that  the  man  she 
loved  was  walking  in  mistaken  paths,  and  the  startling 
act  of  Hur  had  made  the  towering  waves  of  her  passion 
subside  and  her  mind,  now  capable  of  calmer  reflection, 
desired  first  of  all  to  know  what  had  so  long  detained 
him  whom  she  had  summoned  in  the  name  of  her 
God,  and  why  he  came  alone,  without  Ephraim. 

The  clear  sky  was  full  of  stars,  and  these  heavenly 
bodies,  which  seem  to  have  been  appointed  to  look 
down  upon  the  bliss  of  united  human  lovers,  now  wit- 
nessed the  anxious  questions  of  a  tortured  girl  and  the 
impatient  answers  of  a  fiery,  bitterly  disappointed 
man. 

He  began  with  the  assurance  of  his  love  and  that 
he  had  come  to  make  her  his  wife ;  but,  though  she 
permitted  him  to  hold  her  hand  in  his  clasp,  she  en- 
treated him  to  cease  pleading  his  suit  and  first  tell  her 
what  she  desired  to  know. 

On  his  way  he  had  received  various  reports  concern- 
ing Ephraim  through  a  brother-in-arms  from  Tanis,  so  he 
could  tell  her  that  the  lad  had  been  disobedient  and, 
probably  from  foolish  curiosity,  had  gone,  ill  and 
wounded,  to  the  city,  where  he  had  found  shelter  and 
care  in  the  house  of  a  friend.  But  this  troubled  Miri- 
am, who  seemed  to  regard  it  as  a  reproach  to  know 
that  the  orphaned,  inexperienced  lad,  who  had  grown 


JOSHUA.  145 

up  under  her  own  eyes  and  whom  she  herself  had 
sent  forth  among  strangers,  was  beneath  an  Egyptian 
roof. 

But  Hosea  declared  that  he  would  undertake  the 
task  of  bringing  him  back  to  his  people  and  as,  never- 
theless she  continued  to  show  her  anxiety,  asked  whether 
he  had  forfeited  her  confidence  and  love.  Instead  of 
giving  him  a  consoling  answer,  she  began  to  put  more 
questions,  desiring  to  know  what  had  delayed  his  com- 
ing, and  so,  with  a  sorely  troubled  and  wounded  heart, 
he  was  forced  to  make  his  report  and,  in  truth,  begin 
at  the  end  of  his  story. 

While  she  listened,  leaning  against  the  trunk  of  the 
sycamore,  he  paced  to  and  fro,  urged  by  longing  and 
impatience,  sometimes  pausing  directly  in  front  of  her. 
Naught  in  this  hour  seemed  to  him  worthy  of  being 
clothed  in  words,  save  the  hope  and  passion  which 
filled  his  heart.  Had  he  been  sure  that  hers  was 
estranged  he  would  have  dashed  away  again,  after  hav- 
ing revealed  his  whole  soul  to  his  father,  and  risked 
the  ride  into  unknown  regions  to  seek  Moses.  To  win 
Miriam  and  save  himself  from  perjury  were  his  only 
desires,  and  momentous  as  had  been  his  experiences 
and  expectations,  during  the  last  few  days,  he  answered 
her  questions  hastily,  as  if  they  concerned  the  most 
trivial  things. 

He  began  his  narrative  in  hurried  words,  and  the 
more  frequently  she  interrupted  him,  the  more  im- 
patiently he  bore  it,  the  deeper  grew  the  lines  in  his 
forehead. 

Hosea,  accompanied  by  his  attendant,  had  ridden 
southward  several  hours  full  of  gladsome  courage  and 
rich  in  budding  hopes,  when  just  before  dusk  he  saw  a 


146  JOSHUA. 

vast  multitude  moving  in  advance  of  him.  At  first  he 
supposed  he  had  encountered  the  rear-guard  of  the 
migrating  Hebrews,  and  had  urged  his  horse  to  greater 
speed.  But,  ere  he  overtook  the  wayfarers,  some 
peasants  and  carters  who  had  abandoned  their  wains 
and  beasts  of  burden  rushed  past  him  with  loud  out- 
cries and  shouts  of  warning  which  told  him  that  the 
people  moving  in  front  were  lepers.  And  the  fugitives' 
warning  had  been  but  too  well  founded ;  for  the  first, 
who  turned  with  the  heart-rending  cry  :  "  Unclean  ! 
Unclean  !"  bore  the  signs  of  those  attacked  by  the  fell 
disease,  and  from  their  distorted  faces  covered  with 
white  dust  and  scurf,  lustreless  eyes,  destitute  of  brows, 
gazed  at  him. 

Hosea  soon  recognized  individuals,  here  Egyptian 
priests  Avith  shaven  heads,  yonder  Hebrew  men  and 
women.  With  the  stern  composure  of  a  soldier,  he 
questioned  both  and  learned  that  they  were  marching 
from  the  stone  quarries  opposite  Memphis  to  their  place 
of  isolation  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Nile.  Several 
of  the  Hebrews  among  them  had  heard  from  their  rela- 
tives that  their  people  had  left  Egypt  and  gone  to  seek 
a  land  which  the  Lord  had  promised  them.  Many 
had  therefore  resolved  to  put  their  trust  also  in  the 
mighty  God  of  their  fathers  and  follow  the  wanderers; 
the  Egyptian  priests,  bound  to  the  Hebrews  by  the  tie 
of  a  common  misfortune,  had  accompanied  them,  and 
fixed  upon  Succoth  as  the  goal  of  their  journey,  know- 
ing that  Moses  intended  to  lead  his  people  there  first. 
But  every  one  who  could  have  directed  them  on  their 
way  had  fled  before  them,  so  they  had  kept  too  far 
northward  and  wandered  near  the  fortress  of  Thabne. 
Hosea  had  met  them  a  mile  from  this  spot  and  advised 


JOSHUA.  147 

them  to  turn  back,  that  they  might  not  bring  their  mis- 
fortune upon  their  fugitive  brethren. 

During  this  conversation,  a  body  of  Egyptian 
soldiers  had  marched  from  the  fortress  toward  the  lepers 
to  drive  them  from  the  road  ;  but  their  commander, 
who  knew  Hosea,  used  no  violence,  and  both  men  per- 
suaded the  leaders  of  the  lepers  to  accept  the  proposal 
to  be  guided  to  the  peninsula  of  Sinai,  where  in  the 
midst  of  the  mountains,  not  far  from  the  mines,  a 
colony  of  lepers  had  settled.  They  had  agreed  to  this 
plan  because  Hosea  promised  them  that,  if  the  tribes 
went  eastward,  they  would  meet  them  and  receive  every- 
one who  was  healed ;  but  if  the  Hebrews  remained  in 
Egypt,  nevertheless  the  pure  air  of  the  desert  would 
bring  health  to  many  a  sufferer,  and  every  one  who  re- 
covered would  be  free  to  return  home. 

These  negotiations  had  consumed  much  time,  and 
the  first  delay  was  followed  by  many  others ;  for  as 
Hosea  had  been  in  such  close  contact  with  the  lepers, 
he  was  obliged  to  ride  to  Thabne,  there  with  the  com- 
mander of  the  garrison,  who  had  stood  by  his  side,  to 
be  sprinkled  with  bird's  blood,  put  on  new  garments, 
and  submit  to  certain  ceremonies  which  he  himself 
considered  necessary  and  which  could  be  performed 
only  in  the  bright  sunlight.  His  servant  had  been  kept 
in  the  fortress  because  the  kind-hearted  man  had  shaken 
hands  with  a  relative  whom  he  met  among  the  hapless 
wretches. 

The  cause  of  the  delay  had  been  both  sorrowful  and 
repulsive,  and  not  until  after  Hosea  had  left  Thabne  in 
the  afternoon  and  proceeded  on  his  way  to  Succoth,  did 
hope  and  joy  again  revive  at  the  thought  of  seeing 


148  JOSHUA. 

Miriam  once  more  and  bringing  to  his  people  a  message 
that  promised  so  much  good. 

His  heart  had  never  throbbed  faster  or  with  more 
joyous  anticipation  than  on  the  nocturnal  ride  which 
led  him  to  his  father  and  the  woman  he  loved,  and  on 
reaching  his  goal,  instead  of  the  utmost  happiness,  he 
now  found  only  bitter  disappointment. 

He  had  reluctantly  described  in  brief,  disconnected 
sentences  his  meeting  with  the  lepers,  though  he  be- 
lieved he  had  done  his  best  for  the  welfare  of  these 
unfortunates.  All  of  his  warrior  comrades  had  uttered 
a  word  of  praise ;  but  when  he  paused  she  whose  ap- 
proval he  valued  above  aught  else,  pointed  to  a  portion 
of  the  camp  and  said  sadly  :  "  They  are  of  our  blood, 
and  our  God  is  theirs.  The  lepers  in  Zoan,  Pha-kos 
and  Phibeseth*  followed  the  others  at  a  certain  distance, 
and  their  tents  are  pitched  outside  the  camp.  Those 
in  Succoth  —  there  are  not  many  —  will  also  be  per- 
mitted to  go  forth  with  us  ;  for  when  the  Lord  promised 
the  people  the  Land  for  which  they  long,  He  meant 
lofty  and  lowly,  poor  and  humble,  and  surely  also  the 
hapless  ones  who  must  now  remain  in  the  hands  of  the 
foe.  Would  you  not  have  done  better  to  separate  the 
Hebrews  from  the  Egyptians,  and  guide  those  of  our 
own  blood  to  us  ?" 

The  warrior's  manly  pride  rebelled  and  his  answer 
sounded  grave  and  stern  :  "  In  war  we  must  resolve  to 
sacrifice  hundreds  in  order  to  save  thousands.  The 
shepherds  separate  the  scabby  sheep  to  protect  the 
flock." 

"  True,"  replied  Miriam  eagerly  ;  "  for  the  shepherd 
is  a  feeble  man,  who  knows  no  remedy  against  conta- 

*  The  Hebrew  name  of  the  Greek  Bubastis. 


JOSHUA.  149 

gion ;  but  the  Lord,  who  calls  all  His  people,  will  suffer 
no  harm  to  arise  from  rigid  obedience." 

"  That,  is  a  woman's  mode  of  thought,"  replied  Ho- 
sea ;  "  but  what  pity  dictates  to  her  must  not  weigh 
too  heavily  in  the  balance  in  the  councils  of  men.  You 
willingly  obey  the  voice  of  the  heart,  which  is  most 
proper,  but  you  should  not  forget  what  befits  you  and 
your  sex." 

A  deep  flush  crimsoned  Miriam's  cheeks ;  for  she  felt 
the  sting  contained  in  this  speech  with  two-fold  pain 
because  it  was  Hosea  who  dealt  the  thrust.  How  many 
pangs  she  had  been  compelled  to  endure  that  day  on 
account  of  her  sex,  and  now  he,  too,  made  her  feel  that 
she  was  not  his  peer  because  she  was  a  woman.  In  the 
presence  of  the  stones  Hur  had  gathered,  and  on 
which  her  hand  now  rested,  he  had  appealed  to  her 
verdict,  as  though  she  were  one  of  the  leaders  of  the 
people,  and  now  he  abruptly  thrust  her,  who  felt  herself 
inferior  to  no  man  in  intellect  and  talent,  back  into  a 
woman's  narrow  sphere. 

But  he,  too,  felt  his  dignity  wounded,  and  her  bear- 
ing showed  him  that  this  hour  would  decide  whether  he 
or  she  would  have  the  mastery  in  their  future  union. 
He  stood  proudly  before  her,  his  mien  stern  in  its  maj- 
esty —  never  before  had  he  seemed  so  manly,  so  worthy 
of  admiration.  Yet  the  desire  to  battle  for  her  insulted 
womanly  dignity  gained  supremacy  over  every  other 
feeling,  and  it  was  she  who  at  last  broke  the  brief,  pain- 
ful silence  that  had  followed  his  last  words,  and  with  a 
composure  won  only  by  the  exertion  of  all  her  strength 
of  will,  she  began  : 

"  We  have  both  forgotten  what  detains  us  here  so 
late  at  night.  You  wished  to  confide  to  me  what  brings 


150  JOSHUA. 

you  to  your  people  and  to  hear,  not  what  Miriam,  the 
weak  woman,  but  the  confidante  of  the  Lord  decides." 

"  I  hoped  also  to  hear  the  voice  of  the  maiden  on 
whose  love  I  rely,"  he  answered  gloomily. 

"  You  shall  hear  it,"  she  replied  quickly,  taking  her 
hand  from  the  stones.  "  Yet  it  may  be  that  I  cannot 
agree  with  the  opinion  of  the  man  whose  strength  and 
wisdom  are  so  far  superior  to  mine,  yet  you  have  just 
shown  that  you  cannot  tolerate  the  opposition  of  a 
woman,  not  even  mine." 

"  Miriam,"  he  interrupted  reproachfully,  but  she 
continued  still  more  eagerly :  "  I  have  felt  it,  and 
because  it  would  be  the  greatest  grief  of  my  life  to  lose 
your  heart,  you  must  learn  to  understand  me,  ere  you 
call  upon  me  to  express  my  opinion." 

"  First  hear  my  message." 

"  No,  no !"  she  answered  quickly.  "  The  reply 
would  die  upon  my  lips.  Let  me  first  tell  you  of  the 
woman  who  has  a  loving  heart,  and  yet  knows  some- 
thing else  that  'stands  higher  than  love.  Do  you 
smile  ?  You  have  a  right  to  do  so,  you  have  so  long 
been  a  stranger  to  the  secret  I  mean  to  confide.  .  .  ." 

"  Speak  then !"  he  interrupted,  in  a  tone  which 
betrayed  how  difficult  it  was  for  him  to  control  his 
impatience. 

"  I  thank  you,"  she  answered  warmly.  Then  lean- 
ing against  the  trunk  of  the  ancient  tree,  while  he  sank 
down  on  the  bench,  gazing  alternately  at  the  ground 
and  into  her  face,  she  began  : 

"  Childhood  already  lies  behind  me,  and  youth  will 
soon  follow.  When  I  was  a  little  girl,  there  was  not 
much  to  distinguish  me  from  others.  I  played  like 


JOSHUA.  151 

them  and,  though  my  mother  had  taught  me  to  pray  to 
the  God  of  our  fathers,  I  was  well  pleased  to  listen  to 
the  other  children's  tales  of  the  goddess  Isis.  Nay,  I 
stole  into  her  temple,  bought  spices,  plundered  our 
little  garden  for  her,  anointed  her  altar,  and  brought 
flowers  for  offerings.  I  was  taller  and  stronger  than 
many  of  my  companions,  and  was  also  the  daughter 
of  Amram,  so  they  followed  me  and  readily  did  what 
I  suggested.  When  I  was  eight  years  old,  we  moved 
hither  from  Zoan.  Ere  I  again  found  a  girl-playfellow, 
you  came  to  Gamaliel,  your  sister's  husband,  to  be 
cured  of  the  wound  dealt  by  a  Libyan's  lance.  Do 
you  remember  that  time  when  you,  a  youth,  made  the 
little  girl  a  companion  ?  I  brought  you  what  you 
needed  and  prattled  to  you  of  the  things  I  knew,  but 
you  told  me  of  bloody  battles  and  victories,  of  flashing 
armor,  and  the  steeds  and  chariots  of  the  warrior.  You 
showed  me  the  ring  your  daring  had  won,  and  when 
the  wound  in  your  breast  was  cured,  we  roved  over  the 
pastures.  Isis,  whom  you  also  loved,  had  a  temple 
here,  and  how  often  I  secretly  slipped  into  the  fore- 
court to  pray  for  you  and  offer  her  my  holiday-cakes. 
I  had  heard  so  much  from  you  of  Pharaoh  and  his 
splendor,  of  the  Egyptians,  and  their  wisdom,  their  art, 
and  luxurious  life,  that  my  tittle  heart  longed  to  live 
among  them  in  the  capital;  besides,  it  had  reached 
my  ears  that  my  brother  Moses  had  received  great 
favors  in  Pharaoh's  palace  and  risen  to  distinction  in 
the  priesthood.  I  no  longer  cared  for  our  own  people; 
they  seemed  to  me  inferior  to  the  Egyptians  in  all 
respects. 

"  Then  came  the  parting  from  you  and,  as  my  little 
heart  was  devout  and  expected  all  good  gifts  from  the 


152  JOSHUA. 

divine  power,  no  matter  what  natjie  it  bore,  I  prayed 
for  Pharaoh  and  his  army,  in  whose  ranks  you  were 
fighting. 

"  My  mother  sometimes  spoke  of  the  God  of  our 
fathers  as  a  mighty  protector,  to  whom  the  people  in 
former  days  owed  much  gratitude,  and  told  me  many 
beautiful  tales  of  Him;  but  she  herself  often  offered 
sacrifices  in  the  temple  of  Seth,  or  carried  clover  blos- 
soms to  the  sacred  bull  of  the  sun-god.  She,  too,  was 
kindly  disposed  toward  the  Egyptians,  among  whom 
her  pride  and  joy,  our  Moses,  had  attained  such  high 
honors. 

"  So  in  happy  intercourse  with  the  others  I  reached 
my  fifteenth  year.  In  the  evening,  when  the  shepherds 
returned  home,  I  sat  with  the  young  people  around  the 
fire,  and  was  pleased  when  the  sons  of  the  shepherd 
princes  preferred  me  to  my  companions  and  sought  my 
love ;  but  I  refused  them  all,  even  the  Egyptian  captain 
who  commanded  the  garrison  of  the  storehouse ;  for  I 
remembered  you,  the  companion  of  my  youth.  My 
best  possession  would  not  have  seemed  too  dear  a 
price  to  pay  for  some  magic  spell  that  would  have 
brought  you  to  us  when,  at  the  festal  games,  I  danced 
and  sang  to  the  tambourine  while  the  loudest  shouts  of 
applause  greeted  me.  Whenever  many  were  listening 
I  thought  of  you  —  then  I  poured  forth  like  the  lark 
the  feelings  that  filled  my  heart,  then  my  song  was 
inspired  by  you  and  not  by  the  fame  of  the  Most 
High,  to  whom  it  was  consecrated." 

Here  passion,  with  renewed  power,  seized  the  man, 
to  whom  the  woman  he  loved  was  confessing  so  many 
blissful  memories.  Suddenly  starting  up,  he  extended 
his  arms  toward  her;  but  she  sternly  repulsed  him,  that 


JOSHUA.  153 

she  might  control  the  yearning  which  threatened  to 
overpower  her  also. 

Yet  her  deep  voice  had  "gained  a  new,  strange  tone 
as,  at  first  rapidly  and  softly,  then  in  louder  and  firmer 
accents,  she  continued : 

"  So  I  attained  my  eighteenth  year  and  was  no 
longer  satisfied  to  dwell  in  Succoth.  An  indescribable 
longing,  and  not  for  you  only,  had  taken  possession  of 
my  soul.  What  had  formerly  afforded  me  pleasure 
now  seemed  shallow,  and  the  monotony  of  life  here  in 
the  remote  frontier  city  amid  shepherds  and  flocks, 
appeared  dull  and  pitiful. 

"  Eleasar,  Aaron's  son,  had  taught  me  to  read  and 
brought  me  books,  full  of  tales  which  could  never  have 
happened,  yet  which  stirred  the  heart.  Many  also 
contained  hymns  and  fervent  songs  such  as  one  lover 
sings  to  another.  These  made  a  deep  impression  on 
my  soul  and,  whenever  I  was  alone  in  the  evening,  or 
at  noon-day  when  the  shepherds  and  flocks  were  far 
away  in  the  fields,  I  repeated  these  songs  or  composed 
new  ones,  most  of  which  were  hymns  in  praise  of  the 
deity.  Sometimes  they  extolled  Amon  with  the  ram's 
head,  sometimes  cow-headed  Isis,  and  often,  too,  the 
great  and  omnipotent  God  who  revealed  Himself  to 
Abraham,  and  of  whom  my  mother  spoke  more  and 
more  frequently  as  she  advanced  in  years.  To  com- 
pose such  hymns  in  quiet  hours,  wait  for  visions  reveal- 
ing God's  grandeur  and  splendor,  or  beautiful  angels 
and  horrible  demons,  became  my  favorite  occupation. 
The  merry  child  had  grown  a  dreamy  maiden,  who  let 
household  affairs  go  as  they  would.  And  there  was  no 
one  who  could  have  warned  me,  for  my  mother  had 
followed  my  father  to  the  grave,  and  I  now  lived  alone 


154  JOSHUA. 

with  my  old  aunt  Rachel,  unhappy  myself,  and  a  source 
of  joy  to  no  one.  Aaron,  the  oldest  of  our  family,  had 
removed  to  the  dwelling  of  his  father-in-law  Ammina- 
dab:  the  house  of  Amram,  his  heritage,  had  become 
too  small  and  plain  for  him  and  he  left  it  to  me.  My 
companions  avoided  me ;  for  my  mirthfulness  had  de- 
parted and  I  patronized  them  with  wretched  arrogance 
because  I  could  compose  songs  and  beheld  more  in  my 
visions  than  all  the  other  maidens. 

"  Nineteen  years  passed  and,  on  the  evening  of  my 
birthday,  which  no  one  remembered  save  Milcah, 
Eleasar's  daughter,  the  Most  High  for  the  first  time 
sent  me  a  messenger.  He  came  in  the  guise  of  an 
angel,  and  bade  me  set  the  house  in  order;  for  a  guest, 
the  person  dearest  to  me  on  earth,  was  on  the  way. 

"  It  was  early  and  under  this  very  tree ;  but  I  went 
home  and,  with  old  Rachel's  help,  set  the  house  in 
order,  and  provided  food,  wine,  and  all  else  we  offer  to 
an  honored  guest.  Noon  came,  the  afternoon  passed 
away,  evening  deepened  into  night,  and  morning  re- 
turned, yet  I  still  waited  for  the  guest.  But  when  the 
sun  of  that  day  was  nearing  the  western  horizon,  the 
dogs  began  to  bark  loudly,  and  when  I  went  to  the 
door  a  powerful  man,  with  tangled  grey  hair  and 
beard,  clad  in  the  tattered  white  robes  of  a  priest, 
hurried  toward  me.  The  dogs  shrank  back  whining; 
but  I  recognized  my  brother. 

"  Our  meeting  after  so  long  a  separation  at  first 
brought  me  more  fear  than  pleasure ;  for  Moses  was 
flying  from  the  officers  of  the  law  because  he  had  slain 
the  overseer.  You  know  the  story. 

"  Wrath  still  glowed  in  his  flashing  eyes.  He 
seemed  to  me  like  the  god  Seth  in  his  fury,  and  each 


^       JOSHUA.  155 

one  of  his  slow  words  was  graven  upon  my  soul  as  by  a 
hammer  and  chisel.  Thrice  seven  days  and  nights  he 
remained  under  my  roof,  and  as  I  was  alone  with  him 
and  deaf  Rachel,  and  he  was  compelled  to  remain  con- 
cealed, no  one  came  between  us,  and  he  taught  me  to 
know  Him  who  is  the  God  of  our  fathers. 

"  Trembling  and  despairing,  I  listened  to  his  power- 
ful words,  which  seemed  to  fall  like  rocks  upon  my 
breast,  when  he  admonished  me  of  God's  requirements, 
or  described  the  grandeur  and  wrath  of  Him  whom  no 
mind  can  comprehend,  and  no  name  can  describe.  Ah, 
when  he  spoke  of  Him  and  of  the  Egyptian  gods,  it 
seemed  as  if  the  God  of  my  people  stood  before  me 
like  a  giant,  whose  head  touched  the  sky,  and  the  other 
gods  were  creeping  in  the  dust  at  his  feet  like  whining 
curs. 

"  He  taught  me  also  that  we  alone  were  the  people 
whom  the  Lord  had  chosen,  we  and  no  other.  Then 
for  the  first  time  I  was  filled  with  pride  at  being  a  de- 
scendant of  Abraham,  and  every  Hebrew  seemed  a 
brother,  every  daughter  of  Israel  a  sister.  Now,  too,  I 
perceived  how  cruelly  my  people  had  been  enslaved 
and  tortured.  I  had  been  blind  to  their  suffering,  but 
Moses  opened  my  eyes  and  sowed  in  my  heart  hate,  in- 
tense hate  of  their  oppressors,  and  from  this  hate  sprang 
love  for  the  victims.  I  vowed  to  follow  my  brother  and 
await  the  summons  of  my  God.  And  lo,  he  did  not 
tarry  and  Jehovah's  voice  spoke  to  me  as  with  tongues. 

"  Old  Rachel  died.  At  Moses'  bidding  I  gave  up 
my  solitary  life  and  accepted  the  invitation  of  Aaron 
and  Amminadab. 

"  So  I  became  a  guest  in  their  household,  yet  led 
a  separate  life  among  them  vall.  They  did  not  in- 


156  JOSHUA. 

terfere  with  me,  and  the  sycamore  here  on  their  land 
became  my  special  property.  Beneath  its  shadow  God 
commanded  me  to  summon  you  and  bestow  on  you  the 
name  "  Help  of  Jehovah  "  —  and  you,  no  longer 
Hosea,  but  Joshua,  will  obey  the  mandate  of  God 
and  His  prophetess." 

Here  the  warrior  interrupted  the  maiden's  words,  to 
which  he  had  listened  earnestly,  yet  with  increasing  dis- 
appointment : 

"  Ay,  I  have  obeyed  you  and  the  Most  High.  But 
what  it  cost  me  you  disdain  to  ask.  Your  story  has 
reached  the  present  time,  yet  you  have  made  no  mention 
of  the  days  following  my  mother's  death,  during  which 
you  were  our  guest  in  Tanis.  Have  you  forgotten  what 
first  your  eyes  and  then  your  lips  confessed  ?  Have 
the  day  of  your  departure  and  the  evening  on  the  sea, 
when  you  bade  me  hope  for  and  remember  you,  quite 
vanished  from  your  memory  ?  Did  the  hatred  Moses 
implanted  in  your  heart  kill  love  as  well  as  every  other 
feeling  ?" 

11  Love  ?"  asked  Miriam,  raising  her  large  eyes 
mournfully  to  his.  "  Oh  no.  How  could  I  forget  that 
time,  the  happiest  of  my  life  !  Yet  from  the  day  Moses 
returned  from  the  wilderness  by  God's  command  to  re- 
lease the  people  from  bondage  —  three  months  after  my 
separation  from  you  —  I  have  taken  no  note  of  years 
and  months,  days  and  nights." 

"  Then  you  have  forgotten  those  also  ?"  Hosea 
asked  harshly. 

"  Not  so,"  Miriam  answered,  gazing  beseechingly 
into  his  face.  "  The  love  that  grew  up  in  the  child  and 
did  not  wither  in  the  maiden's  heart,  cannot  be  killed  j 
but  whoever  consecrates  one's  life  to  the  Lord.  . 


JOSHUA.  157 

Here  she  suddenly  paused,  raised  her  hands  and 
eyes  rapturously,  as  if  borne  out  of  herself,  and  cried 
imploringly  :  "  Thou  art  near  me,  Omnipotent  One, 
and  seest  my  heart !  Thou  knowest  why  Miriam  took 
no  note  of  days  and  years,  and  asked  nothing  save  to 
be  Thy  instrument  until  her  people,  who  are,  also,  this 
man's  people,  received  what  Thou  didst  promise." 

During  this  appeal,  which  rose  from  the  inmost 
depths  of  the  maiden's  heart,  the  light  wind  which  pre- 
cedes the  coming  of  dawn  had  risen,  and  the  foliage  in 
the  thick  crown  of  the  sycamore  above  Miriam's  head 
rustled ;  but  Hosea  fairly  devoured  with  his  eyes  the 
tall  majestic  figure,  half  illumined,  half  veiled  by  the 
faint  glimmering  light.  What  he  heard  and  saw 
seemed  like  a  miracle.  The  lofty  future  she  anticipated 
for  her  people,  and  which  must  be  realized  ere  she 
would  permit  herself  to  yield  to  the  desire  of  her  own 
heart,  he  believed  that  he  was  bearing  to  them  as  a  mes- 
senger of  the  Lord.  As  if  rapt  by  the  noble  enthusiasm 
of  her  soul,  he  rushed  toward  her,  seized  her  hand, 
and  cried  in  glad  emotion  :  "  Then  the  hour  has  come 
which  will  again  permit  you  to  distinguish  months  from 
days  and  listen  to  the  wishes  of  your  own  soul.  For 
lo  I,  Joshua,  no  longer  Hosea,  but  Joshua,  come  as  the 
envoy  of  the  Lord,  and  my  message  promises  to  the 
people  whom  I  will  learn  to  love  as  you  do,  new  pros- 
perity, and  thus  fulfils  the  promise  of  a  new  and  better 
home,  bestowed  by  the  Most  High." 

Miriam's  eyes  sparkled  brightly  and,  overwhelmed 
with  grateful  joy,  she  exclaimed  : 

"  Thou  hast  come  to  lead  us  into  the  land  which 
Jehovah  promised  to  His  people  ?  Oh  Lord,  how 


158  JOSHUA. 

measureless  is  thy  goodness !     He,  he  comes  as  Thy 
messenger." 

"  He  comes,  he  is  here !"  Joshua  enthusiastically 
replied,  and  she  did  not  resist  when  he  clasped  her  to 
his  breast  and,  thrilling  with  joy,  she  returned  his  kiss. 


.       CHAPTER  XVI. 

FEAR  of  her  own  weakness  soon  made  Miriam  re- 
lease herself  from  her  lover's  embrace,  but  she  listened 
with  eager  happiness,  seeking  some  new  sign  from  the 
Most  High  in  Joshua's  brief  account  of  everything  he 
had  felt  and  experienced  since  her  summons. 

He  first  described  the  terrible  conflict  he  endured, 
then  how  he  regained  entire  faith  and,  obedient  to  the 
God  of  his  people  and  his  father's  summons,  went  to 
the  palace  expecting  imprisonment  or  death,  to  obtain 
release  from  his  oath. 

He  told  her  how  graciously  the  sorrowing  royal 
pair  had  received  him,  and  how  he  had  at  last  taken 
upon  himself  the  office  of  urging  the  leaders  of  his 
nation  to  guide  them  into  the  wilderness  for  a  short 
time  only,  and  then  take  them  home  to  Egypt,  where  a 
new  and  beautiful  region  on  the  western  bank  of  the 
river  should  be  allotted  to  them.  There  no  foreign 
overseer  should  henceforward  oppress  the  workmen, 
but  the  affairs  of  the  Hebrews  should  be  directed  by 
their  own  elders,  and  a  man  chosen  by  themselves  ap- 
pointed their  head. 

Lastly  he  said  that  he,  Joshua,  would  be  placed  in 
command  of  the  Hebrew  forces  and,  as  regent,  mediate 


JOSHUA.  159 

and  settle  disputes  between  them  and  the  Egyptians 
whenever  it  seemed  necessary. 

United  to  her,  a  happy  husband,  he  would  care  in 
the  new  land  for  even  the  lowliest  of  his  race.  On 
the  ride  hither  he  had  felt  as  men  do  after  a  bloody 
battle,  when  the  blast  of  trumpets  proclaim  victory. 
He  had  indeed  a  right  to  regard  himself  as  the  envoy 
of  the  Most  High. 

Here,  however,  he  interrupted  himself;  for  Miriam, 
who  at  first  had  listened  with  open  ears  and  sparkling 
eyes,  now  showed  a  more  and  more  anxious  and 
troubled  mien.  When  he  at  last  spoke  of  making  the 
people  happy  as  her  husband,  she  withdrew  her  hand, 
gazed  timidly  at  his  manly  features,  glowing  with  joy- 
ful excitement,  and  then  as  if  striving  to  maintain  her 
calmness,  fixed  her  eyes  upon  the  ground. 

Without  suspecting  what  was  passing  in  her  mind, 
Hosea  drew  nearer.  He  supposed  that  her  tongue 
was  paralyzed  by  maidenly  shame  at  the  first  token  of 
favor  she  had  bestowed  upon  a  man.  But  when  at  his 
last  words,  designating  himself  as  the  true  messenger 
of  God,  she  shook  her  head  disapprovingly,  he  burst 
forth  again,  almost  incapable  of  self-control  in  his  sore 
disappointment : 

"  So  you  believe  that  the  Lord  has  protected  me  by 
a  miracle  from  the  wrath  of  the  mightiest  sovereign, 
and  permitted  me  to  obtain  from  his  powerful  hand 
favors  for  my  people,  such  as  the  stronger  never  grant 
to  the  weaker,  simply  to  trifle  with  the  joyous  confi- 
dence of  a  man  whom  he  Himself  summoned  to  serve 
Him  " 

Miriam,  struggling  to  force  back  her  tears,  answered 
in  a  hollow  tone  :  "  The  stronger  to  the  weaker !  If 


l6o  JOSHUA. 

that  is  your  opinion,  you  compel  me  to  ask,  in  the 
words  of  your  own  father  :  '  Who  is  the  more  powerful, 
the  Lord  our  God  or  the  weakling  on  the  throne,  whose 
first-born  son  withered  like  grass  at  a  sign  from  the 
Most  High.  Oh,  Hosea  !  Hosea!'" 

"  Joshua  !"  he  interrupted  fiercely.  "  Do  you  grudge 
me  even  the  name  your  God  bestowed  ?  I  relied  upon 
His  help  when  1  entered'the  palace  of  the  mighty  king. 
I  sought  under  God's  guidance  rescue  and  salvation 
for  the  people,  and  I  found  them.  But  you,  you  .  „  .  ." 

"  Your  father  and  Moses,  nay,  all  the  believing 
heads  of  the  tribes,  see  no  salvation  for  us  among  the 
Egyptians,"  she  answered,  panting  for  breath.  "  What 
they  promise  the  Hebrews  will  be  their  ruin.  The 
grass  sowed  by  us  withers  where  their  feet  touch  it ! 
And  you,  whose  honest  heart  they  deceive,  are  the 
whistler  whom  the  bird-catcher  uses  to  decoy  his 
feathered  victims  into  the  snare.  They  put  the  ham- 
mer into  your  hand  to  rivet  more  firmly  than  before  the 
chains  which,  with  God's  aid,  we  have  sundered.  Be- 
fore my  mind's  eye  I  perceive  .  .  .  ." 

"  Too  much  !"  replied  the  warrior,  grinding  his  teeth 
with  rage.  "  Hate  dims  your  clear  intellect.  If  the 
bird-catcher  really  —  what  was  your  comparison  —  if 
the  bird-catcher  really  made  me  his  whistler,  deceived 
and  misled  me,  he  might  learn  from  you,  ay,  from  you ! 
Encouraged  by  you,  I  relied  upon  your  love  and  faith. 
From  you  I  hoped  all  things  — and  where  is  this  love? 
As  you  spared  me  nothing  that  could  cause  me  pain,  I 
will,  pitiless  to  myself,  confess  the  whole  truth  to  you. 
It  was  not  alone  because  the  God  of  my  fathers  called  me, 
but  because  His  summons  reached  me  through  you  and 
my  father  that  1  came.  You  yearn  for  a  land  in  the 


JOSHUA.  161 

far  uncertain  distance,  which  the  Lord  has  promised 
you ;  but  I  opened  to  the  people  the  door  of  a  new 
and  sure  home.  Not  for  their  sakes  —  what  hitherto 
have  they  been  to  me  ?  —  but  first  of  all  to  live  there 
in  happiness  with  you  whom  I  loved,  and  my  old 
father.  Yet  you,  whose  cold  heart  knows  naught  of 
love,  with  my  kiss  still  on  your  lips,  disdain  what  I 
offer,  from  hatred  of  the  hand  to  which  I  owe  it. 
Your  life,  your  conflicts  have  made  you  masculine. 
What  other  women  would  trample  the  highest  blessings 
under  foot  ?" 

Miriam  could  bear  no  more  and,  sobbing  aloud, 
covered  her  convulsed  face  with  her  hands. 

At  the  grey  light  of  dawn  the  sleepers  in  the  camp 
began  to  stir,  and  men  and  maid  servants  came  out  of 
the  dwellings  of  Amminadab  and  Naashon.  All  whom 
the  morning  had  roused  were  moving  toward  the  wells 
and  watering  places,  but  she  did  not  see  them. 

How  her  heart  had  expanded  and  rejoiced  when 
her  lover  exclaimed  that  he  had  come  to  lead  them  to 
the  land  which  the  Lord  had  promised  to  his  people. 
Gladly  had  she  rested  on  his  breast  to  enjoy  one  brief 
moment  of  the  greatest  bliss ;  but  how  quickly  had 
bitter  disappointment  expelled  joy  !  While  the  morn- 
ing breeze  had  stirred  the  crown  of  the  sycamore  and 
Joshua  had  told  her  what  Pharaoh  would  grant  to  the 
Hebrews,  the  rustling  among  the  branches  had  seemed 
to  her  like  the  voice  of  God's  wrath  and  she  fancied 
she  again  heard  the  angry  words  of  hoary-headed  Nun. 
The  latter's  reproaches  had  dismayed  Uri  like  the  flash 
of  lightning,  the  roll  of  thunder,  yet  how  did  Joshua's 
proposition  differ  from  Uri's  ?  T' 

The  people  —  she  had  heard  it  also  from  the  lips  of 


162  JOSHUA. 

Moses  —  were  lost  if,  faithless  to  their  God,  they 
yielded  to  the  temptations  of  Pharaoh.  To  wed  a 
man  who  came  to  destroy  all  for  which  she,  her 
brothers,  and  his  own  father  lived  and  labored,  was 
base  treachery.  Yet  she  loved  Joshua  and,  instead  of 
harshly  repulsing  him,  she  would  have  again  nestled 
ah,  how  gladly,  to  the  heart  which  she  knew  loved  her 
so  ardently. 

But  the  leaves  in  the  top  of  the  tree  continued  to 
rustle  and  it  seemed  as  if  they  reminded  her  of  Aaron's 
warning,  so  she  forced  herself  to  remain  firm. 

The  whispering  above  came  from  God,  who  had 
chosen  her  for  His  prophetess,  and  when  Joshua,  in 
passionate  excitement,  owned  that  the  longing  for  her 
was  his  principal  motive  for  toiling  for  the  people,  who 
were  as  unknown  to  him  as  they  were  dear  to  her,  her 
heart  suddenly  seemed  to  stop  beating  and,  in  her 
mortal  agony,  she  could  not  help  sobbing  aloud. 

Unheeding  Joshua,  or  th'e  stir  in  the  camp,  she 
again  flung  herself  down  with  uplifted  arms  under  the 
sycamore,  gazing  upward  with  dilated,  tearful  eyes,  as 
if  expecting  a  new  revelation.  But  the  morning  breeze 
continued  to  rustle  in  the  summit  of  the  tree,  and  sud- 
denly everything  seemed  as  bright  as  sunshine,  not . 
only  within  but  around  her,  as  always  happened  when 
she,  the  prophetess,  was  to  behold  a  vision.  And  in 
this  light  she  saw  a  figure  whose  face  startled  her,  not 
Joshua,  but  another  to  whom  her  heart  did  not  incline. 
Yet  there  he  stood  before  the  eyes  of  her  soul  in  all  his 
stately  height,  surrounded  by  radiance,  and  with  a 
solemn  gesture  he  laid  his  hand  on  the  stones  he  had 
piled  up. 

With  quickened  breath,  she  gazed  upward  to  the 


JOSHUA.  163 

face,  yet  she  would  gladly  have  closed  her  eyes  and 
lost  her  hearing,  that  she  might  neither  see  it  nor  catch 
the  voices  from  the  tree.  But  suddenly  the  figure 
vanished,  the  voices  died  away,  and  she  appeared  to 
behold  in  a  bright,  fiery  glow,  the  first  man  her  virgin 
lips  had  kissed,  as  with  uplifted  sword,  leading  the 
shepherds  of  her' people,  he  dashed  toward  an  invisible 
foe. 

Swiftly  as  the  going  and  coming  of  a  flash  of  light- 
ning, the  vision  appeared  and  vanished,  yet  ere  it  had 
wholly  disappeared  she  knew  its  meaning. 

The  man  whom  she  called  "Joshua"  and  who 
seemed  fitted  in  every  respect  to  be  the  shield  and 
leader  of  his  people,  must  not  be  turned  aside  by  love 
from  the  lofty  duty  to  which  the  Most  High  had  sum- 
moned him.  None  of  the  people  must  learn  the  mes- 
sage he  brought,  lest  it  should  tempt  them  to  turn  aside 
from  the  dangerous  path  they  had  entered. 

Her  course  was  as  plain  as  the  vision  which  had 
just  vanished.  And,  as  if  the  Most  High  desired  to 
show  her  that  she  had  rightly  understood  its  meaning, 
Hur's  voice  was  heard  near  the  sycamore  —  ere  she 
had  risen  to  prepare  her  lover  for  the  sorrow  to  which 
she  must  condemn  herself  and  him  —  commanding  the 
multitude  flocking  from  all  directions  to  prepare  for  the 
departure. 

The  way  to  save  him  from  himself  lay  before  her ; 
but  Joshua  had  not  yet  ventured  to  disturb  her  de- 
votions. 

He  had  been  wounded  and  angered  to  the  inmost 
depths  of  his  soul  by  her  denial.  But  as  he  gazed 
down  at  her  and  saw  her  tall  figure  shaken  by  a  sudden 
chill,  and  her  eyes  and  hands  raised  heavenward  as 


164  JOSHUA. 

though,  spell-bound,  he  had  felt  that  something  grand 
and  sacred  dwelt  within  her  breast  which  it  would  be 
sacrilege  to  disturb ;  nay,  he  had  been  unable  to  resist 
the  feeling  that  it  would  be  presumptuous  to  seek  to 
wed  a  woman  united  to  the  Lord  by  so  close  a  tie.  It 
must  be  bliss  indeed  to  call  this  exalted  creature  his 
own,  yet  it  would  be  hard  to  see  her  place  another, 
even  though  it  were  the  Almighty  Himself,  so  far  above 
her  lover  and  husband. 

Men  and  cattle  had  already  passed  close  by  the 
sycamore  and  just  as  he  was  in  the  act  of  calling 
Miriam  and  pointing  to  the  approaching  throng,  she 
rose,  turned  toward  him,  and  forced  from  her  troubled 
breast  the  words : 

"  I  have  communed  with  the  Lord,  Joshua,  and 
now  know  His  will.  Do  you  remember  the  words  by 
which  God  called  you  ?" 

He  bent  his  head  in  assent;  but  she  went  on: 

"  Well  then,  you  must  also  know  what  the  Most 
High  confided  to  your  father,  to  Moses,  and  to  me. 
He  desires  to  lead  us  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  a 
distant  country  where  neither  Pharaoh  nor  his  viceroy 
shall  rule  over  us,  and  He  alone  shall  be  our  king. 
That  is  His  will,  and  if  He  requires  you  to  serve  Him, 
you  must  follow  us  and,  in  case  of  war,  command  the 
men  of  our  people." 

Joshua  struck  his  broad  breast,  exclaiming  in  vio- 
lent agitation  :  "  An  oath  binds  me  to  return  to  Tanis 
to  inform  Pharaoh  how  the  leaders  of  the  people  re- 
ceived the  message  with  which  I  was  sent  forth. 
Though  my  heart  should  break,  I  cannot  perjure 
myself." 

"  And  mine  shall   break,"  gasped  Miriam,  "  ere  / 


JOSHUA.  165 

will  be  disloyal  to  the  Lord  our  God.  We  have  both 
chosen,  so  let  what  once  united  us  be  sundered  before 
these  stones." 

He  rushed  frantically  toward  her  to  seize  her  hand; 
but  with  an  imperious  gesture  she  waved  him  back, 
turned  away,  and  went  toward  the  multitude  which, 
with  sheep  and  cattle,  were  pressing  around  the  wells. 

Old  and  young  respectfully  made  way  for  her  as, 
with  haughty  bearing,  she  approached  Hur,  who  was 
giving  orders  to  the  shepherds ;  but  he  came  forward  to 
meet  her  and,  after  hearing  the  promise  she  whispered, 
he  laid  his  hand  upon  her  head  and  said  with  solemn 
earnestness : 

"  Then  may  the  Lord  bless  our  alliance." 

Hand  in  hand  with  the  grey-haired  man  to  whom 
she  had  given  herself,  Miriam  approached  Joshua. 
Nothing  betrayed  the  deep  emotion  of  her  <:o  il,  save 
the  rapid  rise  and  fall  of  her  bosom,  for  though  her 
cheeks  were  pale,  her  eyes  were  tearless  and  her  bear- 
ing was  as  erect  as  ever. 

She  left  to  Hur  to  explain  to  the  lover  whom  she  had 
forever  resigned  what  she  had  granted  him,  and  when 
Joshua  heard  it,  he  started  back  as  though  a  gulf 
yawned  at  his  feet. 

His  lips  were  bloodless  as  he  stared  at  the  un- 
equally matched  pair.  A  jeering  laugh  seemed  the 
only  fitting  answer  to  such  a  surprise;  but  Miriam's 
grave  face  helped  him  to  repress  it  and  conceal  the 
tumult  of  his  soul  by  trivial  words. 

But  he  felt  that  he  could  not  long  succeed  in  main- 
taining a  successful  display  of  indifference,  so  he  took 
leave  of  Miriam.  He  must  greet  his  father,  he  said 
hastily,  and  induce  him  to  summon  the  elders. 


1 66  JOSHUA. 

Ere  he  finished  several  shepherds  hurried  up,  dis- 
puting wrathfully  and  appealed  to  Hur  to  decide  what 
place  in  the  procession  belonged  to  each  tribe.  He 
followed  them,  and  as  soon  as  Miriam  found  herself 
alone  with  Joshua,  she  said  softly,  yet  earnestly,  with 
beseeching  eyes  : 

"A  hasty  deed  was  needful  to  sever  the  tie  that 
bound  us,  but  a  loftier  hope  unites  us.  As  I  sacrificed 
what  was  dearest  to  my  heart  to  remain  faithful  to  my 
God  and  people,  do  you,  too,  renounce  everything  to 
which  your  soul  clings.  Obey  the  Most  High,  who 
called  you  Joshua !  This  hour  transformed  the  sweet- 
est joy  to  bitter  grief;  may  it  be  the  salvation  of  our 
people !  Remain  a  son  of  the  race  which  gave  you 
your  father  and  mother !  Be  what  the  Lord  called 
you  to  become,  a  leader  of  your  race  !  If  you 
insist  on  fulfilling  your  oath  to  Pharaoh,  and  tell  the 
elders  the  promises  with  which  you  came,  you  will  win 
them  over,  I  know.  Few  will  resist  you,  but  of  those 
few  the  first  will  surely  be  your  own  father.  I  can 
hear  him  raise  his  voice  loudly  and  angrily  against  his 
own  dear  son ;  but  if  you  close  your  ears  even  to  his 
warning,  the  people  will  follow  your  summons  instead 
of  God's,  and  you  will  rule  the  Hebrews  as  a  mighty 
man.  But  when  the  time  comes  that  the  Egyptian 
casts  his  promises  to  the  winds,  when  you  see  your 
people  in  still  worse  bondage  than  before  and  behold 
them  turn  from  the  God  of  their  fathers  to  again  worship 
animal-headed  idols,  your  father's  curse  will  overtake 
you,  the  wrath  of  the  Most  High  will  strike  the  blinded 
man,  and  despair  will  be  the  lot  of  him  who  led  to 
ruin  the  weak  masses  for  whose  shield  the  Most  High 
chose  him.  So  I,  a  feeble  woman,  yet  the  servant  of 


JOSHUA.  167 

the  Most  High  and  the  maiden  who  was  dearer  to  you 
than  life,  cry  in  tones  of  warning :  Fear  your  father's 
curse  and  the  punishment  of  the  Lord !  Beware  of 
tempting  the  people." 

Here  she  was  interrupted  by  a  female  slave,  who 
summoned  her  to  her  house  —  and  she  added  in  low, 
hurried  accents  :  "  Only  this  one  thing  more.  If  you 
do  not  desire  to  be  weaker  than  the  woman  whose  op- 
position roused  your  wrath,  sacrifice  your  own  wishes 
for  the  welfare  of  yond,er  thousands,  who  are  of  the 
same  blood !  With  your  hand  on  these  stones  you 
must  swear  .  .  .  ." 

But  here  her  voice  failed.  Her  hands  groped  vainly 
for  some  support,  and  with  a  loud  cry  she  sank  on  her 
knees  beside  Hur's  token. 

Joshua's  strong  arms  saved  her  from  falling  prostrate, 
and  several  women  who  hurried  up  at  his  shout  soon  re- 
called the  fainting  maiden  to  life. 

Her  eyes  wandered  restlessly  from  one  to  another, 
and  not  until  her  glance  rested  on  Joshua's  anxious 
face  did  she  become  conscious  where  she  was  and  what 
she  had  done.  Then  she  hurriedly  drank  the  water  a 
shepherd's  wife  handed  to  her,  wiped  the  tears  from 
her  eyes,  sighed  painfully,  and  with  a  faint  smile  whis- 
pered to  Joshua  :  "  I  am  but  a  weak  woman  after  all." 

Then  she  walked  toward  the  house,  -but  after  the 
first  few  steps  turned,  beckoned  to  the  warrior,  and  said 
softly  : 

"  You  see  how  they  are  forming  into  ranks.  They 
will  soon  begin  to  move.  Is  your  resolution  still  un- 
shaken ?  There  is  still  time  to  call  the  elders." 

He  shook  his  head,  and  as  he  met  her  tearful, 
grateful  glance,  answered  gently  : 


1 68  JOSHUA. 

"  I  shall  remember  these  stones  and  this  hour, 
wife  of  Hur.  Greet  my  father  for  me  and  tell  him  that 
I  love  him.  Repeat  to  him  also  the  name  by  which  his 
son,  according  to  the  command  of  the  Most  High,  will 
henceforth  be  called,  that  its  promise  of  Jehovah's  aid 
may  give  him  him  confidence  when  he  hears  whither  I 
am  going  to  keep  the  oath  I  have  sworn." 

With  these  words  he  waved  his  hand  to  Miriam  and 
turned  toward  the  camp,  where  his  horse  had  been  fed 
and  watered ;  but  she  called  after  him :  "  Only  one 
last  word  :  Moses  left  a  message  for  you  in  the  hollow 
trunk  of  the  tree." 

Joshua  turned  back  to  the  sycamore  and  read  what 
the  man  of  God  had  written  for  him.  "  Be  strong  and 
steadfast  "  were  the  brief  contents,  and  raising  his  head 
he  joyfully  exclaimed  :  "  Those  words  are  balm  to  my 
soul.  We  meet  here  for  the  last  time,  wife  of  Hur,  and, 
if  I  go  to  my  death,  be  sure  that  I  shall  know  how  to 
die  strong  and  steadfast ;  but  show  my  old  father  what 
kindness  you  can." 

He  swung  himself  upon  his  horse  and  while  trotting 
toward  Tanis,  faithful  to  his  oath,  his  soul  was  free  from 
fear,  though  he  did  not  conceal  from  himself  that  he 
was  going  to  meet  great  perils.  His  fairest  hopes  were 
destroyed,  yet  deep  grief  struggled  with  glad  exaltation. 
A  new  and  lofty  emotion,  which  pervaded  his  whole 
being,  had  waked  within  him  and  was  but  slightly  dim- 
med, though  he  had  experienced  a  sorrow  bitter  enough 
to  darken  the  light  of  any  other  man's  existence. 
Naught  could  surpass  the  noble  objects  to  which  he  in- 
tended to  devote  his  blood  and  life  —  his  God  and  his 
people.  He  perceived  with  amazement  this  new  feeling 


JOSHUA.  169 

which  had  power  to  thrust  far  into  the  background 
every  other  emotion  of  his  breast  —  even  love. 

True,  his  head  often  drooped  sorrowfully  when  he 
thought  of  his  old  father;  but  he  had  done  right  in  re- 
pressing the  eager  yearning  to  clasp  him  to  his  heart. 
The  old  man  would  scarcely  have  understood  his 
motives,  and  it  was  better  for  both  to  part  without  see- 
ing each  other  rather  than  in  open  strife. 

Often  it  seemed  as  though  his  experiences  had  been 
but  a  dream,  and  while  he  felt  bewildered  by  the 
excitements  of  the  last  few  hours,  his  strong  frame 
was  little  wearied  by  the  fatigues  he  had  under- 
gone. 

At  a  well-known  hostelry  on  the  road,  where  he  met 
many  soldiers  and  among  them  several  military  com- 
manders with  whom  he  was  well  acquainted,  he  at  last 
allowed  his  horse  and  himself  a  little  rest  and  food  ;  and 
as  he  rode  on  refreshed  active  life  asserted  its  claims  ; 
for  as  far  as  the  gate  of  the  city  of  Rameses  he  passed 
bands  of  soldiers,  and  learned  that  they  were  ordered 
to  join  the  cohorts  he  had  himself  brought  from 
Libya. 

At  last  he  rode  into  the  capital  and  as  he  passed  the 
temple  of  Amon  he  heard  loud  lamentations,  though  he 
had  learned  on  the  way  that  the  plague  had  ceased. 
What  many  a  sign  told  him  was  confirmed  at  last  by 
some  passing  guards  —  the  first  prophet  and  high-priest 
of  Amon,  the  grey-haired  Rui,  had  died  in  the  ninety- 
eighth  year  of  his  life.  Ba'i,  the  second  prophet,  who 
had  so  warmly  protested  his  friendship  and  gratitude 
to  Hosea,  had  now  become  Rui's  successor  and  was 
high-priest  and  judge,  keeper  of  the  seals  and  treas- 
urer, in  short,  the  most  powerful  man  in  the  realm. 


170  JOSHUA. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

"  HELP  of  Jehovah  !"  murmured  a  state-prisoner, 
laden  with  heavy  chains,  five  days  later,  smiling  bitterly 
as,  with  forty  companions  in  misfortune,  he  was  led 
through  the  gate  of  victory  in  Tanis  toward  the  east. 

The  mines  in  the  Sinai  peninsula,  where  more  con- 
vict labor  was  needed,  were  the  goal  of  these  unfor- 
tunate men. 

The  prisoner's  smile  lingered  a  short  time,  then 
drawing  up  his  muscular  frame,  his  bearded  lips  mur- 
mured :  "  Strong  and  steadfast !"  and  as  if  he  desired 
to  transmit  the  support  he  had  himself  found  he 
whispered  to  the  youth  marching  at  his  side  :  "  Courage, 
Ephraim,  courage  !  Don't  gaze  down  at  the  dust,  but 
upward,  whatever  may  come." 

"  Silence  in  the  ranks  !"  shouted  one  of  the  armed 
Libyan  guards,  who  accompanied  the  convicts,  to  the 
older  prisoner,  raising  his  whip  with  a  significant 
gesture.  The  man  thus  threatened  was  Joshua,  and  his 
companion  in  suffering  Ephraim,  who  had  been  sentenc- 
ed to  share  his  fate. 

What  this  was  every  child  in  Egypt  knew,  for  "  May 
I  be  sent  to  the  mines  !"  was  one  of  the  most  terrible 
oaths  of  the  common  people,  and  no  prisoner's  lot  was 
half  so  hard  as  that  of  the  convicted  state-criminals. 

A  series  of  the  most  terrible  humiliations  and 
tortures  awaited  them.  The  vigor  of  the  robust  was 
broken  by  unmitigated  toil  ;  the  exhausted  were 
forced  to  execute  tasks  so  far  beyond  their  strength 


JOSHUA.  171 

that  they  soon  found  the  eternal  rest  for  which  their 
tortured  souls  longed.  To  be  sent  to  the  mines  meant 
to  be  doomed  to  a  slow,  torturing  death ;  yet  life  is  so 
dear  to  men  that  it  was  considered  a  milder  punish- 
ment to  be  dragged  to  forced  labor  in  the  mines  than 
to  be  delivered  up  to  the  executioner. 

Joshua's  encouraging  words  had  little  effect  upon 
Ephraim  ;  but  when,  a  few  minutes  later,  a  chariot 
shaded  by  an  umbrella,  passed  the  prisoners,  a  chariot 
in  which  a  slender  woman  of  aristocratic  bearing  stood 
beside  a  matron  behind  the  driver,  he  turned  with  a 
hasty  movement  and  gazed  after  the  equipage  with 
sparkling  eyes  till  it  vanished  in  the  dust  of  the  road. 

The  younger  woman  had  been  closely  veiled,  but 
Ephraim  thought  he  recognized  her  for  whose  sake  he 
had  gone  to  his  ruin,  and  whose  lightest  sign  he 
would  still  have  obeyed. 

And  he  was  right ;  the  lady  in  the  chariot  was 
Kasana,  the  daughter  of  Hornecht,  captain  of  the 
archers,  and  the  matron  was  her  nurse. 

At  a  little  temple  by  the  road-side,  where,  in  the 
midst  of  a  grove  of  Nile  acacias,  a  well  was  main- 
tained for  travellers,  she  bade  the  matron  wait  for  her 
and,  springing  lightly  from  the  chariot  which  had  left 
the  prisoners  some  distance  behind,  she  began  to  pace 
up  and  down  with  drooping  head  in  the  shadow  of  the 
trees,  until  the  whirling  clouds  of  dust  announced  the 
approach  of  the  convicts. 

Taking  from  her  robe  the  gold  rings  she  had  ready 
for  this  purpose,  she  went  to  the  man  who  was  riding  at 
its  head  on  an  ass  and  who  led  the  mournful  procession. 
While  she  was  talking  with  him  and  pointing  to  Joshua, 
the  guard  cast  a  sly  glance  at  the  rings  which  had  been 


172  JOSHUA. 

slipped  into  his  hand,  and  seeing  a  welcome  yellow 
glitter  when  his  modesty  had  expected  only  silver,  his 
features  instantly  assumed  an  expression  of  obliging 
good- will. 

True,  his  face  darkened  at  Kasana's  request,  but 
another  promise  from  the  young  widow  brightened  it 
again,  and  he  now  turned  'eagerly  to  his  subordinates, 
exclaiming  :  "  To  the  well  with  the  moles,  men  !  Let 
them  drink.  They  must  be  fresh  and  healthy  under 
the  ground  !" 

Then  riding  up  to  the  prisoners,  he  shouted  to 
Joshua  : 

"  You  once  commanded  many  soldiers,  and  look 
more  stiff-necked  now  than  beseems  you  and  me. 
Watch  the  others,  guards,  I  have  a  word  or  two  to  say 
to  this  man  alone." 

He  clapped  his  hands  as  if  he  were  driving  hens 
out  of  a  garden,  and  while  the  prisoners  took  pails  and 
with  the  guards,  enjoyed  the  refreshing  drink,  their 
leader  drew  Joshua  and  Ephraim  away  from  the  road 
—  they  could  not  be  separated  on  account  of  the 
chain  which  bound  their  ancles  together. 

The  little  temple  soon  hid  them  from  the  eyes  of 
the  others,  and  the  warder  sat  down  on  a  step  some 
distance  off,  first  showing  the  two  Hebrews,  with  a 
gesture  whose  meaning  was  easily  understood,  the 
heavy  spear  he  carried  in  his  hand  and  the  hounds 
which  lay  at  his  feet. 

He  kept  his  eyes  open,  too,  during  the  conversation 
that  followed.  They  could  say  whatever  they  chose ; 
he  knew  the  duties  of  his  office  and  though,  for  the  sake 
of  good  money  he  could  wink  at  a  farewell,  for  twenty 
years,  though  there  had  been  many  attempts  to  escape, 


JOSHUA.  173 

not  one  of  his  moles  —  a  name  he  was  fond  of  giving 
to  the  future  miners  —  had  succeeded  in  eluding  his 
watchfulness. 

Yonder  fair  lady  doubtless  loved  the  stately  man 
who,  he  had  been  told,  was  formerly  a  chief  in  the 
army.  But  he  had  already  numbered  among  his  "  moles," 
personages  even  more  distinguished,  and  if  the  veiled 
woman  managed  to  slip  files  or  gold  into  the  prisoner's 
hands,  he  would  not  object,  for  that  very  evening 
the  persons  of  both  would  be  thoroughly  searched,  even 
the  youth's  black  locks,  which  would  not  have  re- 
mained unshorn,  had  not  everything  been  in  confusion 
prior  to  the  departure  of  the  convicts,  which  took  place 
just  before  the  march  of  Pharaoh's  army. 

The  watcher  could  not  hear  the  whispered  words 
exchanged  between  the  degraded  chief  and  the  lady, 
but  her  humble  manner  and  bearing  led  him  to  suppose 
that  it  was  she  who  had  brought  the  proud  warrior  to 
his  ruin.  Ah,  these  women  !  And  the  fettered  youth  ! 
The  looks  he  fixed  upon  the  slender  figure  were  ardent 
enough  to  scorch  her  veil.  But  patience!  Mighty 
Father  Amon !  His  moles  were  going  to  a  school 
where  people  learned  modesty  ! 

Now  the  lady  had  removed  her  veil.  She  was  a 
beautiful  woman  !  It  must  be  hard  to  part  from  such 
a  sweetheart.  And  now  she  was  weeping. 

The  rude  warder's  heart  grew  as  soft  as  his  office 
permitted ;  but  he  would  fain  have  raised  his  scourge 
against  the  older  prisoner;  for  was  it  not  a  shame  to 
have  such  a  sweetheart  and  stand  there  like  a  stone  ? 

At  first  the  wretch  did  not  even  hold  out  his  hand 
to  the  woman  who  evidently  loved  him,  while  he,  the 


174  JOSHUA. 

watcher,  would  gladly  have  witnessed  both  a  kiss  and 
an  embrace. 

Or  was  this  beauty  the  prisoner's  wife  who  had  be- 
trayed him  ?  No,  no !  How  kindly  he  was  now 
gazing  at  her.  That  was  the  manner  of  a  father  speak- 
ing to  his  child ;  but  his  mole  was  probably  too  young 
to  have  such  a  daughter.  A  mystery  !  But  he  felt  no 
anxiety  concerning  its  solution ;  during  the  march  he 
had  the  power  to  make  the  most  reserved  convict  an 
open  book. 

Yet  not  only  the  rude  gaoler,  but  anyone  would 
have  marvelled  what  had  brought  this  beautiful,  aristo- 
cratic woman,  in  the  grey  light  of  dawn,  out  on  the 
highway  to  meet  the  hapless  man  loaded  with  chains. 

In  sooth,  nothing  would  have  induced  Kasana  to 
take  this  step  save  the  torturing  dread  of  being  scorned 
and  execrated  as  a  base  traitress  by  the  man  whom  she 
loved.  A  terrible  destiny  awaited  him,  and  her  vivid 
imagination  had  shown  her  Joshua  in  the  mines, 
languishing,  disheartened,  drooping,  dying,  always  with 
a  curse  upon  her  on  his  lips. 

On  the  evening  of  the  day  Ephraim  had  been 
brought  to  the  house,  shivering  with  the  chill  caused  by 
burning  fever,  and  half  stifled  with  the  dust  of  the 
road,  her  father  had  told  her  that  in  the  youthful  He- 
brew they  possessed  a  hostage  to  compel  Hosea  to 
return  to  Tanis  and  submit  to  the  wishes  of  the  prophet 
Ba'i,  with  whom  she  knew  her  father  was  leagued  in  a 
secret  conspiracy.  He  also  confided  to  her  that 
not  only  great  distinction  and  high  offices,  but  a  mar- 
riage with  herself  had  been  arrranged  to  bind  Hosea 
to  the  Egyptians  and  to  a  cause  from  which  the  chief  of 


JOSHUA.  175 

the  archers  expected  the  greatest  blessings  for  himself, 
his  house,  and  his  whole  country. 

These  tidings  had  filled  her  heart  with  joyous  hope 
of  a  long  desired  happiness,  and  she  confessed  it  to  the 
prisoner  with  drooping  head  amid  floods  of  tears,  by 
the  little  wayside  temple ;  for  he  was  now  forever  lost 
to  her,  and  though  he  did  not  return  the  love  she  had 
lavished  on  him  from  his  childhood,  he  must  not  hate 
and  condemn  her  without  having  heard  her  story. 

Joshua  listened  willingly  and  assured  her  that  noth- 
ing would  lighten  his  heart  more  than  to  have  her  clear 
herself  from  the  charge  of  having  consigned  him  and 
the  youth  at  his  side  to  their  most  terrible  fate. 

Kasana  sobbed  aloud  and  was  forced  to  struggle 
hard  for  composure  ere  she  succeeded  in  telling  her 
tale  with  some  degree  of  calmness. 

Shortly  after  Hosea's  departure  the  chief-priest  died 
and,  on  the  same  day  Bai,  the  second  prophet,  became 
his  successor.  Many  changes  now  took  place,  and  the 
most  powerful  man  in  the  kingdom  filled  Pharaoh  with 
hatred  of  the  Hebrews  and  their  leader,  Mesu,  whom 
he  and  the  queen  had  hitherto  protected  and  feared. 
He  had  even  persuaded  the  monarch  to  pursue  the 
fugitives,  and  an  army  had  been  instantly  summoned 
to  compel  their  return.  Kasana  had  feared  that  Hosea 
could  not  be  induced  to  fight  against  the  men  of  his 
own  blood,  and  that  he  must  feel  incensed  at  being  sent 
to  make  treaties  which  the  Egyptians  began  to  violate 
even  before  they  knew  whether  their  offers  had  been 
accepted. 

When  he  returned  —  as  he  knew  only  too  well  — 
Pharaoh  had  had  him  watched  like  a  prisoner  and  would 
not  suffer  him  to  leave  his  presence  until  he  had  sworn 


176  JOSHUA. 

to  again  lead  his  troops  and  be  a  faithful  servant  to  the 
king.  Bai,  the  new  chief  priest,  however,  had  not 
forgotten  that  Hosea  had  saved  his  life  and  showed 
himself  well  disposed  and  grateful  to  him ;  she  knew 
also  that  he  hoped  to  involve  him  in  a  secret  enter- 
prise, with  which  her  father,  too,  was  associated.  It 
was  Bai  who  had  prevailed  upon  Pharaoh,  if  Hosea 
would  renew  his  oath  of  fealty,  to  absolve  him  from 
fighting  against  his  own  race,  put  him  in  command  of 
the  foreign  mercenaries  and  raise  him  to  the  rank  of  a 
"  friend  of  the  king."  All  these  events,  of  course,  were 
familiar  to  him ;  for  the  new  chief  priest  had  himself  set 
before  him  the  tempting  dishes  which,  with  such  strong, 
manly  defiance,  he  had  thrust  aside. 

Her  father  had  also  sided  with  him,  and  for  the 
first  time  ceased  to  reproach  him  with  his  origin. 

But,  on  the  third  day  after  Hosea's  return,  Hor- 
necht  had  gone  to  talk  with  him  and  since  then  every- 
thing had  changed  for  the  worse.  He  must  be  best 
aware  what  had  caused  the  man  of  whom  she,  his 
daughter,  must  think  no  evil,  to  be  changed  from  a 
friend  to  a  mortal  foe. 

She  had  looked  enquiringly  at  him  as  she  spoke, 
and  he  did  not  refuse  to  answer —  Hornecht  had  told 
him  that  he  would  be  a  welcome  son-in-law. 

"  And  you  ?"  asked  Kasana,  gazing  anxiously  into 
his  face. 

"I,"  replied  the  prisoner,  "  was  forced  to  say  that 
though  you  had  been  dear  and  precious  to  me  from 
your  childhood,  many  causes  forbade  me  to  unite  a 
woman's  fate  to  mine." 

Kasana's  eyes  flashed,  and  she  exclaimed : 


JOSHUA.  177 

"  Because  you  love  another,  a  woman  of  your  own 
people,  the  one  Avho  sent  Ephraim  to  you  !" 

But  Joshua  shook  his  head  and  answered  pleas- 
antly : 

"  You  are  wrong,  Kasana !  She  of  whom  you 
speak  is  the  wife  of  another." 

"  Then,"  cried  the  young  widow  with  fresh  anima- 
tion, gazing  at  him  with  loving  entreaty,  "why  were 
you  compelled  to  rebuff  my  father  so  harshly  ?" 

"  That  was  far  from  my  intention,  dear  child,"  he 
replied  warmly,  laying  his  hand  on  her  head.  "  I 
thought  of  you  with  all  the  tenderness  of  which  my 
nature  is  capable.  If  I  could  not  fulfil  his  wish,  it  was 
because  grave  necessity  forbids  me  to  yearn  for  the 
peaceful  happiness  by  my  own  hearth-stone  for  which 
others  strive.  Had  they  given  me  my  liberty,  my  life 
would  have  been  one  of  restlessness  and  conflict." 

"Yet  how  many  bear  sword  and  shield,"  replied 
Kasana,  "  and  still,  on  their  return,  rejoice  in  the  love 
of  their  wives  and  the  dear  ones  sheltered  beneath  their 
roof." 

"  True,  true,"  he  answered  gravely ;  "  but  special 
duties,  unknown  to  the  Egyptians,  summon  me.  I  am 
a  son  of  my  people." 

"And  you  intend  to  serve  them?"  asked  Kasana. 
"  Oh,  I  understand  you.  Yet.  .  .  .  why  then  did  you 
return  to  Tanis  ?  Why  did  you  put  yourself  into 
Pharaoh's  power  ?" 

"  Because  a  sacred  oath  compelled  me,  poor  child," 
he  answered  kindly. 

"  An  oath,"  she  cried,  "  which  places  death  and  im- 
prisonment between  you  and  those  whom  you  love  and 
still  desire  to  serve.  Oh,  would  that  you  had  never 


178  JOSHUA. 

returned  to  this  abode  of  injustice,  treachery,  and  in- 
gratitude !  To  how  many  hearts  this  vow  will  bring 
grief  and  tears !  But  what  do  you  men  care  for  the 
suffering  you  inflict  on  others  ?  You  have  spoiled  all 
the  pleasure  of  life  for  my  hapless  self,  and  among  your 
own  people  dwells  a  noble  father  whose  only  son  you 
are.  How  often  I  have  seen  the  dear  old  man,  the 
stately  figure  with  sparkling  eyes  and  snow-white  hair. 
So  would  you  look  when  you,  too,  had  reached  a  ripe 
old  age,  as  I  said  to  myself,  when  I  met  him  at  the 
harbor,  or  in  the  fore-court  of  the  palace,  directing  the 
shepherds  who  were  driving  the  cattle  and  fleecy  sheep 
to  the  tax-receiver's  table.  And  now  his  son's  ob- 
stinacy must  embitter  every  day  of  his  old  age." 

"  Now,"  replied  Joshua,  "  he  has  a  son  who  is 
going,  laden  with  chains,  to  endure  a  life  of  misery, 
but  who  can  hold  his  head  higher  than  those  who  be- 
trayed him.  They,  and  Pharaoh  at  their  head,  have 
forgotten  that  he  has  shed  his  heart's  blood  for  them 
on  many  a  battlefield,  and  kept  faith  with  the  king  at 
every  peril.  Menephtah,  his  vice-roy  and  chief,  whose 
life  I  saved,  and  many  who  formerly  called  me  friend, 
have  abandoned  and  hurled  me  and  this  guiltless  boy 
into  wretchedness,  but  those  who  have  clone  this, 
woman,  who  have  committed  this  crime,  may  they 

all " 

"  Do  not  curse  them !"  interrupted  Kasana  with 
glowing  cheeks. 

But  Joshua,  unheeding  her  entreaty,  exclaimed  : 
"  Should  1  be  a  man,  if  I  forgot  vengeance  ?" 
The  young  widow  clung  anxiously  to  his  arm,  gasp- 
ing in  beseeching  accents : 

"  How  could  you  forgive  him  ?     Only  you  must 


JOSHUA.  179 

not  curse  him ;  for  my  father  became  your  foe  through 
love  for  me.  You  know  his  hot  blood,  which  so  easily 
carries  him  to  extremes,  despite  his  years.  He  con- 
cealed from  me  what  he  regarded  as  an  insult ;  for  he 
saw  many  woo  me,  and  I  am  his  greatest  treasure. 
Pharaoh  can  pardon  rebels  more  easily  than  my  father 
can  forgive  the  man  who  disdained  his  jewel.  He  be- 
haved like  one  possessed  when  he  returned.  Every  word 
he  uttered  was  an  invective.  He  could  not  endure  to  stay 
at  home  and  raged  just  as  furiously  elsewhere.  But  no 
doubt  he  would  have  calmed  himself  at  last,  as  he  so 
often  did  before,  had  not  some  one  who  desired  to  pour 
oil  on  the  flames  met  him  in  the  fore-court  of  the 
palace.  I  learned  all  this  from  Bai's  wife ;  for  she, 
too,  repents  what  she  did  to  injure  you;  her  husband 
used  every  effort  to  save  you.  She,  who  is  as  brave  as 
any  man,  was  ready  to  aid  him  and  open  the  door  of 
your  prison ;  for  she  has  not  forgotten  that  you  saved 
her  husband's  life  in  Libya.  Ephraim's  chains  were  to 
fall  with  yours,  and  everything  was  ready  to  aid  your 
flight." 

"  I  know  it,"  Hosea  interrupted  gloomily,  "  and  I 
will  thank  the  God  of  my  fathers  if  those  were  wrong 
from  whom  I  heard  that  you  are  to  blame,  Kasana,  for 
having  our  dungeon  door  locked  more  firmly." 

"Should  I  be  here,  if  that  were  so!"  cried  the 
beautiful,  grieving  woman  with  impassioned  eagerness. 
"  True,  resentment  did  stir  within  me  as  it  does  in 
every  woman  whose  lover  scorns  her;  but  the  misfor- 
tune that  befell  you  speedily  transformed  resentment 
into  compassion,  and  fanned  the  old  flames  anew.  So 
surely  as  I  hope  for  a  mild  judgment  before  the  tri- 
bunal of  the  dead,  I  am  innocent  and  have  not  ceased 


l8o  JOSHUA. 

to  hope  for  your  liberation.  Not  until  yesterday  even- 
ing, when  all  was  too  late,  did  I  learn  that  Bai's  pro- 
posal had  been  futile.  The  chief  priest  can  do  much, 
but  he  will  not  oppose  the  man  who  made  himself  my 
father's  ally." 

"  You  mean  Prince  Siptah,  Pharaoh's  nephew !" 
cried  Joshua  in  excited  tones.  "They  intimated  to 
me  the  scheme  they  were  weaving  in  his  interest ;  they 
wished  to  put  me  in  the  place  of  the  Syrian  Aarsu,  the 
commander  of  the  mercenaries,  if  I  would  consent  to 
let  them  have  their  way  with  my  people  and  desert 
those  of  my  own  blood.  But  I  would  rather  die  twenty 
deaths  than  sully  myself  with  such  treachery.  Aarsu  is 
better  suited  to  carry  out  their  dark  plans,  but  he  will 
finally  betray  them  all.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned,  the 
prince  has  good  reason  to  hate  me." 

Kasana  laid  her  hand  upon  his  lips,  pointed  anx- 
iously to  Ephraim  and  the  guide,  and  said  gently  : 

"  Spare  my  father !  The  prince  —  what  roused  his 
enmity  .  .  .  ." 

"  The  profligate  seeks  to  lure  you  into  his  snare  and 
has  learned  that  you  favor  me,"  the  warrior  broke  in. 

She  bent  her  head  with  a  gesture  of  assent,  and 
added  blushing  : 

"  That  is  why  Aarsu,  whom  he  has  won  over  to  his 
cause,  watches  you  so  strictly." 

"  And  the  Syrian  will  keep  his  eyes  sufficiently  wide 
open,"  cried  Joshua.  "  Now  let  us  trlk  no  more  of 
this.  I  believe  you  and  thank  you  warmly  for  follow- 
ing us  hapless  mortals.  How  fondly  I  used  to  think, 
while  serving  in  the  field,  of  the  pretty  child,  whom  I 
saw  blooming  into  maidenhood." 


JOSHUA.  l8l 

"  And  you  will  think  of  her  still  with  neither  wrath 
nor  rancor  ?" 

"  Gladly,  most  gladly." 

The  young  widow,  with  passionate  emotion,  seized 
the  prisoner's  hand  to  raise  it  to  her  lips,  but  he  with- 
drew it;  and,  gazing  at  him  with  tears  in  her  eyes,  she 
said  mournfully  : 

"  You  deny  me  the  favor  a  benefactor  does  not  refuse 
even  to  a  beggar."  Then,  suddenly  drawing  herself  up  to 
her  full  height,  she  exclaimed  so  loudly  that  the  warder 
started  and  glanced  at  the  sun  :  "  But  I  tell  you  the 
time  will  come  when  you  will  sue  for  the  favor  of  kiss- 
ing this  hand  in  gratitude.  For  when  the  messenger 
arrives  bringing  to  you  and  to  this  youth  the  liberty  for 
which  you  have  longed,  it  will  be  Kasana  to  whom  you 
owe  it." 

Rapt  by  the  fervor  of  the  wish  that  animated  her, 
her  beautiful  face  glowed  with  a  crimson  flush.  Joshua 
seized  her  right  hand,  exclaiming  : 

"  Ah,  if  you  could  attain  what  your  loyal  soul  de- 
sires !  How  could  I  dissuade  you  from  mitigating  the 
great  misfortune  which  overtook  this  youth  in  your 
house  ?  Yet,  as  an  honest  man,  I  must  tell  you  that  I 
shall  never  return  to  the  service  of  the  Egyptians ;  for, 
come  what  may,  I  shall  in  future  cleave,  body  and  soul, 
to  those  you  persecute  and  despise,  and  to  whom  be- 
longed the  mother  who  bore  me." 

Kasana's  graceful  head  drooped  ;  but  directly  after 
she  raised  it  again,  saying  : 

"  No  other  man  is  so  noble,  so  truthful,  that  I  have 

known  from  my  childhood.    If  I  can  find  no  one  among 

my  own  nation  whom  I  can  honor,  I   will  remember 

you,  whose  every  thought  is  true  and  lofty,  whose  nature 

13 


1 82  JOSHUA. 

is  faultless.  But  if  poor  Kasana  succeeds  in  liberating 
you,  do  not  scorn  her,  if  you  find  her  worse  than  when 
you  left  her,  for  however  she  may  humiliate  herself, 
whatever  shame  may  come  upon  her  .  .  .  ." 

"  What  do  you  intend  ?"  Hosea  anxiously  interrupt- 
ed ;  but  she  had  no  time  to  answer ;  for  the  captain  of 
the  guard  had  risen  and,  clapping  his  hands,  shouted 
"  Forward,  you  moles  !"  and  "  Step  briskly." 

The  warrior's  stout  heart  was  overwhelmed  with 
tender  sadness  and,  obeying  a  hasty  impulse,  he 
kissed  the  beautiful  unhappy  woman  on  the  brow  and 
hair,  whispering  : 

"  Leave  me  in  my  misery,  if  our  freedom  will  cost  your 
humiliation.  We  shall  probably  never  meet  again  ;  for, 
whatever  may  happen,  my  life  will  henceforth  be  nothing 
but  battle  and  sacrifice.  Darkness  will  shroud  us  in 
deeper  and  deeper  gloom,  but  however  black  the  night 
may  be,  one  star  will  still  shine  for  this  boy  and  for  me 
— :the  remembrance  of  you,  my  faithful,  beloved  child." 

He  pointed  to  Ephraim  as  he  spoke  and  the  youth, 
as  if  out  of  his  senses,  pressed  his  lips  on  the  hand  and 
arm  of  the  sobbing  woman. 

"  Forward !"  shouted  the  leader  again,  and  with  a 
grateful  smile  helped  the  generous  lady  into  the  chariot, 
marvelling  at  the  happy,  radiant  gaze  with  which  her 
tearful  eyes  followed  the  convicts. 

The  horses  started,  fresh  shouts  arose,  blows  from 
the  whips  fell  on  bare  shoulders,  now  and  then  a  cry  of 
pain  rang  on  the  morning  air,  and  the  train  of  prisoners 
again  moved  eastward.  The  chain  on  the  ancles  of 
the  companions  in  suffering  stirred  the  dust,  which 
shrouded  the  little  band  like  the  grief,  hate,  and  fear 
darkening  the  soul  of  each. 


JOSHUA.  183 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

A  LONG  hour's  walk  beyond  the  little  temple  where 
the  prisoners  had  rested  the  road,  leading  to  Succoth 
and  the  western  arm  of  the  Red  Sea,  branched  off 
from  the  one  that  ran  in  a  southeasterly  direction  past 
the  fortifications  on  the  isthmus  to  the  mines. 

Shortly  after  the  departure  of  the  prisoners,  the  army 
which  had  been  gathered  to  pursue  the  Hebrews  left 
the  city  of  Rameses,  and  as  the  convicts  had  rested 
some  time  at  the  well,  the  troops  almost  overtook  them. 
They  had  not  proceeded  far  when  several  runners  came 
hurrying  up  to  clear  the  road  for  the  advancing  army. 
They  ordered  the  prisoners  to  move  aside  and  defer 
their  march  until  the  swifter  baggage  train,  bearing 
Pharaoh's  tents  and  travelling  equipments,  whose 
chariot  wheels  could  already  be  heard,  had  passed 
them. 

The  prisoners'  guards  were  glad  to  stop,  they  were 
in  no  hurry.  The  day  was  hot,  and  if  they  reached 
their  destination  later,  it  would  be  the  fault  of  the 
army. 

The  interruption  was  welcome  to  Joshua,  too  ;  for 
his  young  companion  had  been  gazing  into  vacancy  as 
if  bewildered,  and  either  made  no  answer  to  his  ques- 
tions or  gave  such  incoherent  ones  that  the  older  man 
grew  anxious  ;  he  knew  how  many  of  those  sentenced 
to  forced  labor  went  mad  or  fell  into  melancholy. 
Now  a  portion  of  the  army  would  pass  them,  and  the 


184  JOSHUA. 

spectacle  was  new  to  Ephraim  and  promised  to  put  an 
end  to  his  dull  brooding. 

A  sand-hill  overgrown  with  tamarisk  bushes  rose 
beside  the  road,  and  thither  the  leader  guided  the  party 
of  convicts.  He  was  a  stern  man,  but  not  a  cruel  one, 
so  he  permitted  his  "  moles  "  to  lie  down  on  the  sand, 
for  the  troops  would  doubtless  be  a  long  time  in  passing. 

As  soon  as  the  convicts  had  thrown  themselves  on 
the  ground  the  rattle  of  wheels,  the  neighing  of  fiery 
steeds,  shouts  of  command,  and  sometimes  the  dis- 
agreeable braying  of  an  ass  were  heard. 

When  the  first  chariots  appeared  Ephraim  asked  if 
Pharaoh  was  coming ;  but  Joshua,  smiling,  informed  him 
that  when  the  king  accompanied  the  troops  to  the 
field,  the  camp  equipage  followed  directly  behind  the 
vanguard,  for  Pharaoh  and  his  dignitaries  wished  to 
find  the  tents  pitched  and  the  tables  laid,  when  the  day's 
march  was  over  and  the  soldiers  and  officers  expected 
a  night's  repose. 

Joshua  had  not  finished  speaking  when  a  number  of 
empty  carts  and  unladen  asses  appeared.  They  were  to 
carry  the  contributions  of  bread  and  meal,  animals  and 
poultry,  wine  and  beer,  levied  on  every  village  the 
sovereign  passed  on  the  march,  and  which  had  been 
delivered  to  the  tax-gatherers  the  day  before. 

Soon  after  a  division  of  chariot  warriors  followed. 
Every  pair  of  horses  drew  a  small,  two-wheeled  chariot, 
cased  in  bronze,  and  in  each  stood  a  warrior  and  the 
driver  of  the  team.  Huge  quivers  were  fastened  to 
the  front  of  the  chariots,  and  the  soldiers  leaned  on 
their  lances  or  on  gigantic  bows.  Shirts  covered  with 
brazen  scales,  or  padded  coats  of  mail  with  gay  over- 
mantle,  a  helmet,  and  the  front  of  the  chariot  protected 


JOSHUA.  185 

the  warrior  from  the  missiles  of  the  foe.  This  troop, 
which  Joshua  said  was  the  van,  went  by  at  a  slow  trot 
and  was  followed  by  a  great  number  of  carts  and 
wagons,  drawn  by  horses,  mules,  or  oxen,  as  well  as 
whole  troops  of  heavily-laden  asses. 

The  uncle  now  pointed  out  to  his  nephew  the  long 
masts,  poles,  and  heavy  rolls  of  costly  stuffs  intended 
for  the  royal  tent,  and  borne  by  numerous  beasts  of 
burden,  as  well  as  the  asses  and  carts  with  the  kitchen 
utensils  and  field  forges.  Among  the  baggage  heaped 
on  the  asses,  which  were  followed  by  nimble  drivers, 
rode  the  physicians,  tailors,  salve-makers,  cooks,  weavers 
of  garlands,  attendants,  and  slaves  belonging  to  the 
camp.  Their  departure  had  been  so  recent  that  they 
were  still  fresh  and  inclined  to  jest,  and  whoever  caught 
sight  of  the  convicts,  flung  them,  in  the  Egyptian 
fashion,  a  caustic  quip  which  many  sought  to  palliate 
by  the  gift  of  alms.  Others,  who  said  nothing,  also 
sent  by  the  ass-drivers  fruit  and  trifling  gifts ;  for  those 
who  were  free  to-day  might  share  the  fate  of  these  hap- 
less men  to-morrow.  The  captain  permitted  it,  and 
when  a  passing  slave,  whom  Joshua  had  sold  for 
thieving,  shouted  the  name  of  Hosea,  pointing  to  him 
with  a  malicious  gesture,  the  rough  but  kind-hearted 
officer  offered  his  insulted  prisoner  a  sip  of  wine  from  his 
own  flask. 

Ephraim,  who  had  walked  from  Succoth  to  Tanis 
with  a  staff  in  his  hand,  and  a  small  bundle  containing 
bread,  dried  lamb,  radishes,  and  dates,  expressed  his 
amazement  at  the  countless  people  and  things  a  single 
man  needed  for  his  comfort,  and  then  relapsed  into 
his  former  melancholy  until  his  uncle  roused  him  with 
farther  explanations. 


l86  JOSHUA. 

As  soon  as  the  baggage  train  had  passed,  the  com- 
mander of  the  band  of  prisoners  wished  to  set  off,  but 
the  "  openers  of  the  way,"  who  preceded  the  archers, 
forbade  him,  because  it  was  not  seemly  for  convicts  to 
mingle  with  soldiers.  So  they  remained  on  their  hil- 
lock and  continued  to  watch  the  troops. 

The  archers  were  followed  by  heavily-armed  troops, 
bearing  shields  covered  with  strong  hide  so  large  that 
they  extended  from  the  feet  to  above  the  middle  of  the 
tallest  men,  and  Hosea  now  told  the  youth  that  in  the 
evening  they  set  them  side  by  side,  thus  surrounding 
the  royal  tent  like  a  fence.  Besides  this  weapon  of 
defence  they  carried  a  lance,  a  short  dagger-like  sword, 
or  a  battle-sickle,  and  as  these  thousands  were  succeed- 
ed by  a  body  of  men  armed  with  slings  Ephraim  for 
the  first  time  spoke  without  being  questioned  and  said 
that  the  slings  the  shepherds  had  taught  him  to  make 
were  far  better  than  those  of  the  soldiers  and,  en- 
couraged by  his  uncle,  he  described  in  language  so 
eager  that  the  prisoners  lying  by  his  side  listened,  how 
he  had  succeeded  in  slaying  not  only  jackals,  wolves, 
and  panthers,  but  even  vultures,  with  stones  hurled  from 
a  sling.  Meanwhile  he  interrupted  himself  to  ask  the 
meaning  of  the  standards  and  the  names  of  the  separate 
divisions. 

Many  thousands  had  already  passed,  when  another 
troop  of  warriors  in  chariots  appeared,  and  the  chief 
warder  of  the  prisoners  exclaimed  : 

"  The  good  god  !  The  lord  of  two  worlds  !  May 
life,  happiness,  and  health  be  his !"  With  these  words 
he  fell  upon  his  knees  in  the  attitude  of  worship,  while 
the  convicts  prostrated  themselves  to  kiss  the  earth  and 
be  ready  to  obey  the  captain's  bidding  and  join  at  the 


JOSHUA.  187 

right  moment  in  the  cry :  "  Life,  happiness,  and 
health !" 

But  they  had  a  long  time  to  wait  ere  the  expected 
sovereign  appeared ;  for,  after  the  warriors  in  the 
chariots  had  passed,  the  body-guard  followed,  foot- 
soldiers  of  foreign  birth  with  singular  ornaments  on 
their  helmets  and  huge  swords,  and  then  numerous 
images  of  the  gods,  a  large  band  of  priests  and 
wearers  of  plumes.  They  were  followed  by  more 
body-guards,  and  then  Pharaoh  appeared  with  his 
attendants.  At  their  head  rode  the  chief  priest  Ba'i 
in  a  gilded  battle-chariot  drawn  by  magnificent  bay 
stallions.  He  who  had  formerly  led  troops  in  the  field, 
had  assumed  the  command  of  this  pursuing  expedition 
ordered  by  the  gods  and,  though  clad  in  priestly  robes, 
he  also  wore  the  helmet  and  battle-axe  of  a  general. 
At  last,  directly  behind  his  equipage,  came"  Pharaoh 
himself;  but  he  did  not  go  to  battle  like  his  warlike 
predecessors  in  a  war-chariot,  but  preferred  to  be 
carried  on  a  throne.  A  magnificent  canopy  protected 
him  above,  and  large,  thick,  round  ostrich  feather  fans, 
carried  by  his  fan-bearers,  sheltered  him  on  both  sides 
from  the  scorching  rays  of  the  sun. 

After  Menephtah  had  left  the  city  and  the  gate  of 
victory  behind  him,  and  the  exulting  acclamations  of 
the  multitude  had  ceased  to  amuse  him,  he  had 
gone  to  sleep  and  the  shading  fans  would  have  con- 
cealed his  face  and  figure  from  the  prisoners,  had  not 
their  shouts  been  loud  enough  to  rouse  him  and  induce 
him  to  turn  his  head  toward  them.  The  gracious  wave 
of  his  right  hand  showed  that  he  had  expected  to  see 
different  people  from  convicts  and,  ere  the  shouts  of  the 
hapless  men  had  died  away,  his  eyes  again  closed. 


l88  JOSHUA. 

Ephraim's  silent  brooding  had  now  yielded  to  the 
deepest  interest,  and  as  the  empty  golden  war-chariot  of 
the  king,  before  which  pranced  the  most  superb  steeds 
he  had  ever  seen,  rolled  by,  he  burst  into  loud  ex- 
clamations of  admiration. 

These  noble  animals,  on  whose  intelligent  heads 
large  bunches  of  feathers  nodded,  and  whose  rich  har- 
ness glittered  with  gold  and  gems,  were  indeed  a 
splendid  sight.  The  large  gold  quivers  set  with  eme- 
ralds, fastened  on  the  sides  of  the  chariot,  were  filled 
with  arrows. 

The  feeble  man  to  whose  weak  hand  the  guidance 
of  a  great  nation  was  entrusted,  the  weakling  who 
shrunk  from  every  exertion,  regained  his  lost  energy 
whenever  hunting  was  in  prospect ;  he  considered  this 
campaign  a  chase  on  the  grandest  scale  and  as  it 
seemed  royal  pastime  to  discharge  his  arrows  at  the 
human  beings  he  had  so  lately  feared,  instead  of  at 
game,  he  had  obeyed  the  chief  priest's  summons  and 
joined  the  expedition.  It  had  been  undertaken  by  the 
mandate  of  the  great  god  Amon,  so  he  had  little  to 
dread  from  Mesu's  terrible  power. 

When  he  captured  him  he  would  make  him  atone 
for  having  caused  Pharaoh  and  his  queen  to  tremble 
before  him  and  shed  so  many  tears  on  his  account. 

While  Joshua  was  still  telling  the  youth  from  which 
Phoenician  city  the  golden  chariots  came,  he  suddenly 
felt  Ephraim's  right  hand  clutch  his  wrist,  and  heard 
him  exclaim  :  "She!  She!  Look  yonder!  It  is  she!" 

The  youth  had  flushed  crimson,  and  he  was  not 
mistaken  ;  the  beautiful  Kasana  was  passing  amid 
Pharaoh's  train  in  the  same  chariot  in  which  she  had 
pursued  the  convicts,  and  with  her  came  a  considerable 


JOSHUA.  189 

number  of  ladies  who  had  joined  what  the  commander 
of  the  foot-soldiers,  a  brave  old  warrior,  who  had  served 
under  the  great  Rameses,  termed  "  a  pleasure  party." 

On  campaigns  through  the  desert  and  into  Syria, 
Libya,  or  Ethiopia  the  sovereign  was  accompanied 
only  by  a  chosen  band  of  concubines  in  curtained 
chariots,  guarded  by  eunuchs ;  but  this  time,  though  the 
queen  had  remained  at  home,  the  wife  of  the  chief 
priest  Bai  and  other  aristocratic  ladies  had  set  the  ex- 
ample of  joining  the  troops,  and  it  was  doubtless  tempt- 
ing enough  to  many  to  enjoy  the  excitements  of  war 
without  peril. 

Kasana  had  surprised  her  friend  by  her  appearance 
an  hour  before ;  only  yesterday  the  young  widow  could 
not  be  persuaded  to  accompany  the  troops.  Obeying 
an  inspiration,  without  consulting  her  father,  so  unpre- 
pared that  she  lacked  the  necessary  traveling  equip- 
ments, she  had  joined  the  expedition,  and  it  seemed  as 
if  a  man  whom  she  had  hitherto  avoided,  though  he 
was  no  less  a  personage  than  Siptah,  the  king's  nephew, 
had  become  a  magnet  to  her. 

When  she  passed  the  prisoners,  the  prince  was 
standing  in  the  chariot  beside  the  young  beauty  in  her 
nurse's  place,  explaining  in  jesting  tones  the  significance 
of  the  flowers  in  a  bouquet,  which  Kasana  declared 
could  not  possibly  have  been  intended  for  her,  because 
an  hour  and  a  quarter  before  she  had  not  thought  of 
going  with  the  army. 

But  Siptah  protested  that  the  Hathors  had  revealed 
at  sunrise  the  happiness  in  store  for  him,  and  that 
the  choice  of  each  single  blossom  proved  his  assertion. 

Several  young  courtiers  who  were  walking  in  front 
of  their  chariots,  surrounded  them  and  joined  in  the 


1 90  JOSHUA. 

laughter  and  merry  conversation,  in  which  the  vivacious 
wife  of  the  chief  priest  shared,  having  left  her  large 
travelling-chariot  to  be  carried  in  a  litter. 

None  of  these  things  escaped  Joshua's  notice  and, 
as  he  saw  Kasana,  who  a  short  time  before  had  thought 
of  the  prince  with  aversion,  now  saucily  tap  his  hand 
with  her  fan,  his  brow  darkened  and  he  asked  himself 
whether  the  young  widow  was  not  carelessly  trifling 
with  his  misery. 

But  the  prisoners'  chief  warder  had  now  noticed  the 
locks  on  Siptah's  temples,  which  marked  him  as  a  prince 
of  the  royal  household  and  his  loud  •'  Hail !  Hail !"  in 
which  the  other  guards  and  the  captives  joined,  was 
heard  by  Kasana  and  her  companions.  They  looked 
toward  the  tamarisk-bushes,  whence  the  cry  proceeded, 
and  Joshua  saw  the  young  widow  turn  pale  and  then 
point  with  a  hasty  gesture  to  the  convicts.  She  must 
undoubtedly  have  given  Siptah  some  command,  for  the 
latter  at  first  shrugged  his  shoulders  disapprovingly 
then,  after  a  somewhat  lengthy  discussion,  half  grave, 
half  jesting,  he  sprang  from  the  chariot  and  beckoned 
to  the  chief  gaoler. 

"  Have  these  men,"  he  called  from  the  road  so 
loudly  that  Kasana  could  not  fail  to  hear,  "seen  the 
face  of  the  good  god,  the  lord  of  both  worlds  ?"  And 
when  he  received  a  reluctant  answer,  he  went  on  arro- 
gantly : 

"  No  matter !  At  least  they  beheld  mine  and  that 
of  the  fairest  of  women,  and  if  they  hope  for  favor  on 
that  account  they  are  right.  You  know  who  I  am. 
Let  the  chains  that  bind  them  together  be  removed." 

Then,  beckoning  to  the  man,  he  whispered  : 

"  But  keep  your  eyes  open  all  the  wider;  I  have  no 


JOSHUA.  191 

liking  for  the  fellow  beside  the  bush,  the  ex-chief 
Hosea.  After  returning  home,  report  to  me  and  bring 
news  of  this  man.  The  quieter  he  has  become,  the 
deeper  my  hand  will  sink  in  my  purse.  Do  you 
understand  ?" 

The  warder  bowed,  thinking :  "  I'll  take  care,  my 
prince,  and  also  see  that  no  one  attempts  to  take  the 
life  of  any  of  my  moles.  The  greater  the  rank  of  these 
gentlemen,  the  more  bloody  and  strange  are  their 
requests !  How  many  have  come  to  me  with  similar 
ones.  He  releases  the  poor  wretches'  feet,  and  wants 
me  to  burden  my  soul  with  a  shameful  murder.  Siptah 
has  tried  the  wrong  man !  Here,  Heter,  bring  the  bag 
of  tools  and  open  the  moles'  chains." 

While  the  files  were  grating  on  the  sand-hill  by  the 
road  and  the  prisoners  were  being  released  from  the 
fetters  on  their  ancles, — though  for  the  sake  of  security 
each  man's  arms  were  bound  together,  —  Pharaoh's 
host  marched  by. 

Kasana  had  commanded  Prince  Siptah  to  release 
from  their  iron  burden  the  unfortunates  who  were  being 
dragged  to  a  life  of  misery,  openly  confessing  that  she 
could  not  bear  to  see  a  chief  who  had  so  often  been  a 
guest  of  her  house  so  cruelly  humiliated.  JBai's  wife 
had  supported  her  wish,  and  the  prince  was  obliged  to 
yield. 

Joshua  knew  to  whom  he  and  Ephraim  owed  this 
favor,  and  received  it  with  grateful  joy. 

Walking  had  been  made  easier  for  him,  but  his  mind 
was  more  and  more  sorely  oppressed  with  anxious 
cares. 

The  army  passing  yonder  would  have  been  enough  to 
destroy  down  to  the  last  man  a  force  ten  times  greater 


192  JOSHUA. 

than  the  number  of  his  people.  His  people,  and  with 
them  his  father  and  Miriam, — who  had  caused  him 
such  keen  suffering,  yet  to  whom  he  was  indebted  for 
having  found  the  way  which,  even  in  prison,  he  had 
recognized  as  the  only  right  one  —  seemed  to  him 
marked  out  for  a  bloody  doom  ;  for,  however  powerful 
might  be  the  God  whose  greatness  the  prophetess  had 
praised  in  such  glowing  words,  and  to  whom  he  him- 
self had  learned  to  look  up  with  devout  admiration,  — 
untrained  and  unarmed  bands  of  shepherds  must  surely 
and  hopelessly  succumb  to  the  assault  of  this  army. 
This  certainty,  strengthened  by  each  advancing  division, 
pierced  his  very  soul.  Never  before  had  he  felt  such 
burning  anguish,  which  was  terribly  sharpened  when 
he  beheld  the  familiar  faces  of  his  own  troops,  which 
he  had  so  lately  commanded,  pass  before  him  under 
the  leadership  of  another.  This  time  they  were  taking 
the  field  to  hew  down  men  of  his  own  blood.  This  was 
pain  indeed,  and  Ephraim's  conduct  gave  him  cause 
for  fresh  anxiety  ;  since  Kasana's  appearance  and  in- 
terference in  behalf  of  him  and  his  companions  in 
suffering,  the  youth  had  again  lapsed  into  silence  and 
gazed  with  wandering  eyes  at  the  army  or  into  vacancy. 

Now  he,  too,  was  freed  from  the  chain,  and  Joshua 
asked  in  a  whisper  if  he  did  not  long  to  return  to  his 
people  to  help  them  resist  so  powerful  a  force,  but 
Ephraim  merely  answered  : 

"  When  confronted  with  those  hosts,  they  can  do 
nothing  but  yield.  What  did  we  lack  before  the 
exodus  ?  You  were  a  Hebrew,  and  yet  became  a 
mighty  chief  among  the  Egyptians  ere  you  obeyed 
Miriam's  summons.  In  your  place,  I  would  have  pur- 
sued a  different  course." 


JOSHUA.  193 

"  What  would  you  have  done  ?"  asked  Joshua 
sternly. 

"  What  ?"  replied  the  youth,  the  fire  of  his  young 
soul  blazing.  "What  ?  Only  this,  I  would  have  re- 
mained where  there  is  honor  and  fame  and  everything 
beautiful.  You  might  have  been  the  greatest  of  the 
great,  the  happiest  of  the  happy  —  this  I  have  learned, 
but  you  made  a  different  choice." 

"  Because  duty  commanded  it,"  Joshua  answered 
gravely,  "  because  I  will  no  longer  serve  any  one  save 
the  people  among  whom  I  was  born." 

"  The  people  ?"  exclaimed  Ephraim,  contemptu- 
ously. "  I  know  them,  and  you  met  them  at  Succoth. 
The  poor  are  miserable  wretches  who  cringe  under  the 
lash ;  the  rich  value  their  cattle  above  all  else  and,  if 
they  are  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  quarrel  with  one  another. 
No  one  knows  aught  of  what  pleases  the  eye  and  the 
heart.  They  call  me  one  of  the  richest  of  the  race  and 
yet  I  shudder  when  I  think  of  the  house  I  inherited, 
one  of  the  best  and  largest.  One  who  has  seen  more 
beautiful  ones  ceases  to  long  for  such  an  abode." 

The  vein  on  Joshua's  brow  swelled,  and  he  wrath- 
fully  rebuked  the  youth  for  denying  his  own  blood,  and 
being  a  traitor  to  his  people. 

The  guard  commanded  silence,  for  Joshua  had 
raised  his  reproving  voice  louder,  and  this  order  seemed 
welcome  to  the  defiant  youth.  When,  during  their 
march,  his  uncle  looked  sternly  into  his  face  or  asked 
whether  he  had  thought  of  his  words,  he  turned  angrily 
away,  and  remained  mute  and  sullen  until  the  first  star 
had  risen,  the  night  camp  had  been  made  under  the 
open  sky,  and  the  scanty  prison  rations  had  been 
served. 


194  JOSHUA. 

Joshua  dug  with  his  hands  a  resting  place  in  the 
sand,  and  with  care  and  skill  helped  the  youth  to  pre- 
pare a  similar  one. 

Ephraim  silently  accepted  this  help ;  but  as  they  lay 
side  by  side,  and  the  uncle  began  to  speak  to  his  nephew 
of  the  God  of  his  people  on  whose  aid  they  must  rely, 
if  they  were  not  to  fall  victims  to  despair  in  the  mines, 
the  youth  interrupted  him,  exclaiming  in  low  tones,  but 
with  fierce  resolution  : 

"  They  will  not  take  me  to  the  mines  alive !  I 
would  rather  die,  while  making  my  escape,  than  pine 
away  in  such  wretchedness." 

Joshua  whispered  words  of  warning,  and  again  re- 
minded him  of  his  duties  to  his  people.  But  Ephraim 
begged  to  be  let  alone ;  yet  soon  after  he  touched  his 
uncle  and  asked  softly : 

"  What  are  they  planning  with  Prince  Siptah  ?" 

"  I  don't  know  ;  nothing  good,  that  is  certain.*' 

"  And  where  is  Aarsu,  the  Syrian,  your  foe,  who 
commands  the  Asiatic  mercenaries,  and  who  was  to 
watch  us  with  such  fierce  zeal  ?  I  did  not  see  him 
with  the  others." 

"'He  remained  in  Tanis  with  his  troops." 

"  To  guard  the  palace  ?" 

"  Undoubtedly." 

"  Then  he  commands  many  soldiers,  and  Pharaoh 
has  confidence  in  him  ?" 

"  The  utmost,  though  he  ill  deserves  it." 

"  And  he  is  a  Syrian,  and  therefore  of  our  blood." 

"  And  more  closely  allied  to  us  than  to  the  Egyp- 
tians, at  least  so  far  as  language  and  appearance  are 
concerned." 

"  I  should  have  taken  him  for  a  man  of  our  race, 


JOSHUA.  195 

yet  he  is,  as  you  were,  one  of  the  leaders  in  the 
army." 

"  Other  Syrians  and  Libyans  command  large  troops 
of  mercenaries,  and  the  herald  Ben  Mazana,  one  of  the 
highest  dignitaries  of  the  court  —  the  Egyptians  call 
him  Rameses  in  the  sanctuary  of  Ra  —  has  a  Hebrew 
father." 

"And  neither  he  nor  the  others  are  scorned  on 
account  of  their  birth  ?" 

"  This  is  not  quite  so.  But  why  do  you  ask  these 
questions  ?" 

"  I  could  not  sleep." 

"  And  so  such  thoughts  came  to  you.  But  you 
have  some  definite  idea  in  your  mind  and,  if  my  infer- 
ence is  correct,  it  would  cause  me  pain.  You  wished 
to  enter  Pharaoh's  service!" 

Both  were  silent  a  long  time,  then  Ephraim  spoke 
again  and,  though  he  addressed  Joshua,  it  seemed  as  if 
he  were  talking  to  himself: 

"  They  will  destroy  our  people ;  bondage  and  shame 
await  those  who  survive.  My  house  is  now  left  to 
ruin,  not  a  head  of  my  splendid  herds  of  cattle  remains, 
and  the  gold  and  silver  I  inherited,  of  which  there  was 
said  to  be  a  goodly  store,  they  are  carrying  with  them, 
for  your  father  has  charge  of  my  wealth,  and  it  will 
soon  fall  as  booty  into  the  hands  of  the  Egyptians. 
Shall  I,  if  I  obtain  my  liberty,  return  to  my  people  and 
make  bricks  ?  Shall  I  bow  my  back  and  suffer  blows 
and  abuse  ?" 

Joshua  eagerly  whispered : 

"  You  must  appeal  to  the  God  of  your  fathers,  that 
He  may  protect  and  defend  His  people.  Yet,  if  the 
Most  High  has  willed  the  destruction  of  our  race,  be  a 


196  JOSHUA. 

man  and  learn  to  hate  with  all  the  might  of  your  young 
soul  those  who  trample  your  people  under  their  feet. 
Fly  to  the  Syrians,  offer  them  your  strong  young  arm, 
and  take  no  rest  till  you  have  avenged  yourself  on 
those  who  have  shed  the  blood  of  your  people  and  load 
you,  though  innocent,  with  chains." 

Again  silence  reigned  for  some  time,  nothing  was 
heard  from  Ephraim's  rude  couch  save  a  dull,  low  moan 
from  his  oppressed  breast;  but  at  last  he  answered 
softly : 

"The  chains  no  longer  weigh  upon  us,  and  how 
could  I  hate  her  who  released  us  from  them  ?" 

"  Remain  grateful  to  Kasana,"  was  the  whispered 
reply,  "  but  hate  her  nation." 

Hosea  heard  the  youth  toss  restlessly,  and  again 
sigh  heavily  and  moan. 

It  was  past  midnight,  the  waxing  moon  rode  high 
in  the  heavens,  and  the  sleepless  man  did  not  cease 
to  listen  for  sounds  from  the  youth ;  but  the  latter 
remained  silent,  though  slumber  had  evidently  fled 
from  him  also;  for  a  noise  as  if  he  were  grinding 
his  teeth  came  from  his  place  of  rest.  Or  had  mice 
wandered  to  this  barren  place,  where  hard  brown 
blades  of  grass  grew  between  the  crusts  of  salt  and  the 
bare  spots,  and  were  gnawing  the  prisoners'  hard 
bread  ? 

Such  gnawing  and  grinding  disturb  the  sleep  of 
one  who  longs  for  slumber;  but  Joshua  desired  to  keep 
awake  to  continue  to  open  the  eyes  of  the  blinded 
youth,  yet  he  waited  in  vain  for  any  sign  of  life  from 
his  nephew. 

At  last  he  was  about  to  lay  his  hand  on  the  lad's 
shoulder,  but  paused  as  by  the  moonlight  he  saw 


JOSHUA.  197 

Ephraim  raise  one  arm  though,  before  he  lay  down, 
both  hands  were  tied  more  firmly  than  before. 

Joshua  now  knew  that  it  was  the  youth's  sharp 
teeth  gnawing  the  rope  which  had  caused  the  noise 
that  had  just  surprised  him,  and  he  immediately  stood 
up  and  looked  first  upward  and  then  around  him. 

Holding  his  breath,  the  older  man  watched  every 
movement,  and  his  heart  began  to  throb  anxiously. 
Ephraim  meant  to  fly,  and  the  first  step  toward  escape 
had  already  succeeded !  Would  that  the  others  might 
prosper  too!  But  he  feared  that  the  liberated  youth 
might  enter  the  wrong  path.  He  was  the  only  son  of 
his  beloved  sister,  a  fatherless  and  motherless  lad,  so 
he  had  never  enjoyed  the  uninterrupted  succession  of 
precepts  and  lessons  which  only  a  mother  can  give  and 
a  defiant  young  spirit  will  accept  from  her  alone.  The 
hands  of  strangers  had  bound  the  sapling  to  a  stake 
and  it  had  shot  straight  upward,  but  a  mother's  love 
would  have  ennobled  it  with  carefully  chosen  grafts. 
He  had  grown  up  beside  another  hearth  than  his 
parents',  yet  the  latter  is  the  only  true  home  for  youth. 
What  marvel  if  he  felt  himself  a  stranger  among  his 
people. 

Amid  such  thoughts  a  great  sense  of  compassion 
stole  over  Joshua  and,  with  it,  the  consciousness  that 
he  was  deeply  accountable  for  this  youth  who,  for  his 
sake,  while  on  the  way  to  bring  him  a  message,  had 
fallen  into  such  sore  misfortune.  But  much  as  he 
longed  to  warn  him  once  more  against  treason  and 
perjury,  he  refrained,  fearing  to  imperil  his  success. 
Any  noise  might  attract  the  attention  of  the  guards, 
and  he  took  as  keen  an  interest  in  the  attempt  at  liber- 
ation, as  if  Ephraim  had  made  it  at  his  suggestion. 
14 


198  JOSHUA. 

So  instead  of  annoying  the  youth  with  fruitless 
warnings,  he  kept  watch  for  him ;  life  had  taught  him 
that  good  advice  is  more  frequently  unheeded  than  fol- 
lowed, and  only  personal  experiences  possess  resistless 
power  of  instruction. 

The  chief's  practiced  eye  soon  showed  him  the  way 
by  which  Ephraim,  if  fortune  favored  him,  could 
escape. 

He  called  softly,  and  directly  after  his  nephew 
whispered : 

"  I'll  loose  your  ropes,  if  you  will  hold  up  your 
hands  to  me.  Mine  are  free !" 

Joshua's  tense  features  brightened. 

The  defiant  lad  was  a  noble  fellow,  after  all,  and 
risked  his  own  chance  in  behalf  of  one  who,  if  he  es- 
caped with  him,  threatened  to  bar  the  way  in  which,  in 
youthful  blindness,  he  hoped  to  find  happiness. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

JOSHUA  gazed  intently  around  him.  The  sky  was 
still  bright,  but  if  the  north  wind  continued  to  blow, 
the  clouds  which  seemed  to  be  rising  from  the  sea  must 
soon  cover  it. 

The  air  had  grown  sultry,  but  the  guards  kept 
awake  and  regularly  relieved  one  another.  It  was 
difficult  to  elude  their  attention ;  yet  close  by  Ephraim's 
couch,  which  his  uncle,  for  greater  comfort,  had  helped 
him  make  on  the  side  of  a  gently  sloping  hill,  a  narrow 
ravine  ran  down  to  the  valley.  White  veins  of  gypsum 


JOSHUA.  199 

and  glittering  mica  sparkled  in  the  moonlight  along  its 
bare  edges.  If  the  agile  youth  could  reach  this  cleft 
unseen,  and  crawl  through  as  far  as  the  pool  of  salt- 
water, overgrown  with  tall  grass  and  tangled  desert 
shrubs,  at  which  it  ended,  he  might,  aided  by  the 
clouds,  succeed. 

After  arriving  at  this  conviction  Joshua  considered, 
as  deliberately  as  if  the  matter  concerned  directing  one 
of  his  soldiers  on  his  way,  whether  he  himself,  in  case 
he  regained  the  use  of  his  hands,  could  succeed  in  fol- 
lowing Ephraim  without  endangering  his  project. 
And  he  was  forced  to  answer  this  question  in  the 
negative ;  for  the  guard  who  sometimes  sat,  sometimes 
paced  to  and  fro  on  a  higher  part  of  the  crest  of  the 
hill  a  few  paces  away,  could  but  too  easily  perceive,  by 
the  moonlight,  the  youth's  efforts  to  loose  the  firmly- 
knotted  bonds.  The  cloud  approaching  the  moon 
might  perhaps  darken  it,  ere  the  work  was  completed. 
Thus  Ephraim  might,  on  his  account,  incur  the  peril  of 
losing  the  one  fortunate  moment  which  promised  es- 
cape. Would  it  not  be  the  basest  of  crimes,  merely  for 
the  sake  of  the  uncertain  chance  of  flight,  to  bar  the 
path  to  liberty  of  the  youth  whose  natural  protector  he 
was  ?  So  he  whispered  to  Ephraim : 

"  I  cannot  go  with  you.  Creep  through  the  chasm 
at  your  right  to  the  salt-pool.  I  will  watch  the  guards. 
As  soon  as  the  cloud  passes  over  the  moon  and  I  clear 
my  throat,  start  off.  If  you  escape,  join  our  people. 
Greet  my  old  father,  assure  him  of  my  love  and  fidelity, 
and  tell  him  where  I  am  being  taken.  Listen  to  his 
advice  and  Miriam's ;  theirs  is  the  best  counsel.  The 
cloud  is  approaching  the  moon,  —  not  another  word 
now !" 


200  JOSHUA. 

As  Ephraim  still  continued  to  urge  him  in  a  whisper 
to  hold  up  his  pinioned  arms,  he  ordered  him  to  keep 
silence  and,  as  soon  as  the  moon  was  obscured  and  the 
guard,  who  was  pacing  to  and  fro  above  their  heads 
began  a  conversation  with  the  man  who  came  to  relieve 
him,  Joshua  cleared  his  throat  and,  holding  his  breath, 
listened  with  a  throbbing  heart  for  some  sound  in  the 
direction  of  the  chasm. 

He  first  heard  a  faint  scraping  and,  by  the  light  of 
the  fire  which  the  guards  kept  on  the  hill-top  as  a  pro- 
tection against  wild  beasts,  he  saw  Ephraim's  empty 
couch. 

He  uttered  a  sigh  of  relief;  for  the  youth  must 
have  entered  the  ravine.  But  though  he  strained  his 
ears  to  follow  the  crawling  or  sliding  of  the  fugitive  he 
heard  nothing  save  the  footsteps  and  voices  of  the 
warders. 

Yet  he  caught  only  the  sound,  not  the  meaning  of 
their  words,  so  intently  did  he  fix  his  powers  of  hearing 
upon  the  course  taken  by  the  fugitive.  How  nimbly 
and  cautiously  the  agile  fellow  must  move  !  He  was 
still  in  the  chasm,  yet  meanwhile  the  moon  struggled 
victoriously  with  the  clouds  and  suddenly  her  silver 
disk  pierced  the  heavy  black  curtain  that  concealed 
her  from  the  gaze  of  men,  and  her  light  was  re- 
flected like  a  slender,  glittering  pillar  from  the  motion- 
less pool  of  salt-water,  enabling  the  watching  Joshua  to 
see  what  was  passing  below  ;  but  he  perceived  nothing 
that  resembled  a  human  form. 

Had  the  fugitive  encountered  any  obstacle  in  the 
chasm  ?  Did  some  precipice  or  abyss  hold  him  in  its 
gloomy  depths  ?  Had  —  and  at  the  thought  he  fancied 
that  his  heart  had  stopped  beating  —  Had  some  gulf 


JOSHUA.  201 

swallowed  the  lad  when  he  was  groping  his  way  through 
the  night  ? 

How  he  longed  for  some  noise,  even  the  faintest, 
from  the  ravine  !  The  silence  was  terrible.  But  now  ! 
Oh,  would  that  it  had  continued  !  Now  the  sound  of 
falling  stones  and  the  crash  of  earth  sliding  after  echoed 
loudly  through  the  still  night  air.  Again  the  moon- 
light burst  through  the  cloud-curtain,  and  Joshua 
perceived  near  the  pool  a  living  creature  which  re- 
sembled an  animal  more  than  a  human  being,  for  it 
seemed  to  be  crawling  on  four  feet.  Now  the  water 
sent  up  a  shower  of  glittering  spray.  The  figure  be- 
low had  leaped  into  the  pool.  Then  the  clouds  again 
swallowed  the  lamp  of  night,  and  darkness  covered 
everything. 

With  a  sigh  of  relief  Joshua  told  himself  that  he  had 
seen  the  flying  Ephraim  and  that,  come  what  might, 
the  escaping  youth  had  gained  a  considerable  start  of 
his  pursuers. 

But  the  latter  neither  remained  inert  nor  allowed 
themselves  to  be  deceived ;  for  though,  to  mislead  them, 
he  had  shouted  loudly  :  "  A  jackal !"  they  uttered  a  long, 
shrill  whistle,  which  roused  their  sleeping  comrades.  A 
few  seconds  later  the  chief  warder  stood  before  him 
Avith  a  burning  torch,  threw  its  light  on  his  face,  and 
sighed  with  relief  when  he  saw  him.  Not  in  vain  had 
he  bound  him  with  double  ropes ;  for  he  would  have 
been  called  to  a  severe  reckoning  at  home  had  this 
particular  man  escaped. 

But  while  he  was  feeling  the  ropes  on  the  prisoner's 
arms,  the  glare  of  the  burning  torch,  which  lighted 
him,  fell  on  the  fugitive's  rude,  deserted  couch.  There, 
as  if  in  mockery,  lay  the  gnawed  rope.  Taking  it  up, 


202  JOSHUA. 

he  flung  it  at  Joshua's  feet,  blew  his  whistle  again  and 
again,  and  shouted  :  "  Escaped !  The  Hebrew  !  Young 
Curly-head  !" 

Paying  no  farther  heed  to  Joshua,  he  began  the 
pursuit.  Hoarse  with  fury,  he  issued  order  after  order, 
each  one  sensible  and  eagerly  obeyed. 

While  some  of  the  guards  dragged  the  prisoners 
together,  counted  them,  and  tied  them  with  ropes,  their 
commander,  with  the  others  and  his  dogs,  set  off  on  the 
track  of  the  fugitive. 

Joshua  saw  him  make  the  intelligent  animals  smell 
Ephraim's  gnawed  bonds  and  resting-place,  and  beheld 
them  instantly  rush  to  the  ravine.  Gasping  for  breath, 
he  also  noted  that  they  remained  in  it  quite  a  long 
time,  and  at  last  —  the  moon  meanwhile  scattered  the 
clouds  more  and  more  —  darted  out  of  the  ravine,  and 
dashed  to  the  water.  He  felt  that  it  was  fortunate 
Ephraim  had  waded  through  instead  of  passing  round 
it ;  for  at  its  edge  the  dogs  lost  the  scent,  and  minute 
after  minute  elapsed  while  the  commander  of  the 
guards  walked  along  the  shore  with  the  eager  animals, 
which  fairly  thrust  their  noses  into  the  fugitive's  steps, 
in  order  to  again  get  on  the  right  trail.  Their  loud, 
joyous  barking  at  last  announced  that  they  had  found 
it.  Yet,  even  if  they  persisted  in  following  the  run- 
away, the  captive  warrior  no  longer  feared  the  worst, 
for  Ephraim  had  gained  a  long  advance  of  his  pursuers. 
Still,  his  heart  beat  loudly  enough  and  time  seemed  to 
stand  still  until  the  chief-warder  returned  exhausted  and 
unsuccessful. 

The  older  man,  it  is  true,  could  never  have  over- 
taken the  swift-footed  youth,  but  the  youngest  and  most 
active  guards  had  been  sent  after  the  fugitive.  This 


JOSHUA.  203 

statement  the  captain  of  the  guards  himself  made  with 
an  angry  jeer. 

The  kindly-natured  man  seemed  completely  trans- 
formed ;  for  he  felt  what  had  occurred  as  a  disgrace 
which  could  scarcely  be  overcome,  nay,  a  positive 
misfortune. 

The  prisoner  who  had  tried  to  deceive  him  by  the 
shout  of  'jackal !'  was  doubtless  the  fugitive's  accomplice. 
Prince  Siptah,  too,  who  had  interfered  with  the  duties 
of  his  office,  he  loudly  cursed.  But  nothing  of  the  sort 
should  happen  again  ;  and  he  would  make  the  whole 
band  feel  what  had  fallen  to  his  lot  through  Ephraim. 
Therefore  he  ordered  the  prisoners  to  be  again  loaded 
with  chains,  the  ex-chief  fastened  to  a  coughing  old 
man,  and  all  made  to  stand  in  rank  and  file  before  the 
fire  till  morning  dawned. 

Joshua  gave  no  answer  to  the  questions  his  new  com- 
panion-in-chains  addressed  to  him  ;  he  was  waiting  with 
an  anxious  heart  for  the  return  of  the  pursuers.  At 
times  he  strove  to  collect  his  thoughts  to  pray,  and 
commended  to  the  God  who  had  promised  His  aid,  his 
own  destiny  -and  that  of  the  fugitive  boy.  True,  he 
was  often  rudely  interrupted  by  the  captain  of  the 
guards,  who  vented  his  rage  upon  him. 

Yet  the  man  who  had  once  commanded  thousands 
of  soldiers  quietly  submitted  to  everything,  forcing  him- 
self to  accept  it  like  the  unavoidable  discomfort  of  hail 
or  rain  ;  nay,  it  cost  him  an  effort  to  conceal  his  joyful 
emotion  when,  toward  sunrise,  the  young  warders  sent 
in  pursuit  returned  with  tangled  hair,  panting  for  breath, 
and  bringing  nothing  save  one  of  the  dogs  with  a 
broken  skull. 

The  only  thing  left  for  the  captain  of  the  guards  to 


204  JOSHUA. 

do  was  to  report  what  had  occurred  at  the  first  fortress 
on  the  Etham  border,  which  the  prisoners  were  obliged 
in  any  case  to  pass,  and  toward  this  they  were  now 
driven. 

Since  Ephraim's  flight  a  new  and  more  cruel  spirit 
had  taken  possession  of  the  warders.  While  yesterday 
they  had  permitted  the  unfortunate  men  to  move  for- 
ward at  an  easy  pace,  they  now  forced  them  to  the 
utmost  possible  speed.  Besides,  the  atmosphere  was 
sultry,  and  the  scorching  sun  struggled  with  the  thunder- 
clouds gathering  in  heavy  masses  at  the  north. 

Joshua's  frame,  inured  to  fatigues  of  every  kind, 
resisted  the  tortures  of  this  hurried  march;  but  his 
weaker  companion,  who  had  grown  grey  in  a  scribe's 
duties,  often  gave  way  and  at  last  lay  prostrate  beside 
him. 

The  captain  was  obliged  to  have  the  hapless  man 
placed  on  an  ass  and  chain  another  prisoner  to  Joshua. 
He  was  his  former  yoke-mate's  brother,  an  inspector  of 
the  king's  stables,  a  stalwart  Egyptian,  condemned  to 
the  mines  solely  on  account  of  the  unfortunate  circum- 
stance of  being  the  nearest  blood  relative  of  a  state 
criminal. 

It  was  easier  to  walk  with  this  vigorous  companion, 
and  Joshua  listened  with  deep  sympathy  and  tried  to  com- 
fort him  when,  in  a  low  voice,  he  made  him  the  confidant 
of  his  yearning,  and  lamented  the  heaviness  of  heart 
with  which  he  had  left  wife  and  child  in  want  and  suf- 
fering. Two  sons  had  died  of  the  pestilence,  and  it 
sorely  oppressed  his  soul  that  he  had  been  unable  to 
provide  for  their  burial  —  now  his  darlings  would  be 
lost  to  him  in  the  other  world  also  and  forever. 

At  the  second  halt  the  troubled  father  became  frankei 


JOSHUA.  205 

still.  An  ardent  thirst  for  vengence  filled  his  soul,  and 
he  attributed  the  same  feeling  to  his  stern-eyed  com- 
panion, whom  he  saw  had  plunged  into  misfortune 
from  a  high  station  in  life.  The  ex-inspector  of  the 
stables  had  a  sister-in-law,  who  was  one  of  Pharaoh's 
concubines,  and  through  her  and  his  wife,  her  sister,  he 
had  learned  that  a  conspiracy  was  brewing  against  the 
king  in  the  House  of  the  Separated.*  He  even  knew 
whom  the  women  desired  to  place  in  Menephtah's 
place. 

As  Joshua  looked  at  him,  half  questioning,  half 
doubting,  his  companion  whispered :  "  Siptah,  the 
king's  nephew,  and  his  noble  mother,  are  at  the  head  of 
the  plot.  When  I  am  once  more  free,  I  will  remember 
you,  for  my  sister-in-law  certainly  will  not  forget  me." 

Then  he  asked  what  was  taking  his  companion  to 
the  mines,  and  Joshua  frankly  told  his  name.  But  when 
the  Egyptian  learned  that  he  was  fettered  to  a  He- 
brew, he  tore  wildly  at  his  chain  and  cursed  his  fate. 
His  rage,  however,  soon  subsided  in  the  presence  of 
the  strange  composure  with  which  his  companion  in 
misfortune  bore  the  rudest  insults,  and  Joshua  was  glad 
to  have  the  other  beset  him  less  frequently  with  com- 
plaints and  questions. 

He  now  walked  on  for  hours  undisturbed,  free  to 
yield  to  his  longing  to  collect  his  thoughts,  analyze 
the  new  and  lofty  emotions  which  had  ruled  his  soul 
during  the  past  few  days,  and  accommodate  himself 
to  his  novel  and  terrible  position. 

This  quiet  reflection  and  self-examination  relieved 
him  and,  during  the  following  night,  he  was  invigorated 
by  a  deep,  refreshing  sleep. 

*  The  Harem  of  the  modern  Mohammedan  Egyptians. 


206  JOSHUA. 

When  he  awoke  the  setting  stars  were  still  in  the 
sky  and  reminded  him  of  the  sycamore  in  Succoth,  and 
the  momentous  morning  when  his  lost  love  had  won 
him  for  his  God  and  his  people.  The  glittering  firma- 
ment arched  over  his  head,  and  he  had  never  so  dis- 
tinctly felt  the  presence  of  the  Most  High.  He  be- 
lieved in  His  limitless  power  and,  for  the  first  time,  felt 
a  dawning  hope  that  the  Mighty  Lord  who  had  created 
heaven  and  earth  would  find  ways  and  means  to  save 
His  chosen  people  from  the  thousands  of  the  Egyptian 
hosts. 

After  fervently  imploring  God  to  extend  His  protect- 
ing hand  over  the  feeble  bands  who,  obedient  to  His 
command,  had  left  so  much  behind  them  and  marched 
so  confidently  through  an  unknown  and  distant  land, 
and  commended  to  His  special  charge  the  aged  father 
whom  he  himself  could  not  defend,  a  wonderful  sense 
of  peace  filled  his  soul. 

The  shouts  of  the  guards,  the  rattling  of  the  chain, 
his  wretched  companions  in  misfortune,  nay,  all  that 
surrounded  him,  could  not  fail  to  recall  the  fate  await- 
ing him.  He  was  to  grow  grey  in  slavish  toil  within  a 
close,  hot  pit,  whose  atmosphere  choked  the  lungs, 
deprived  of  the  bliss  of  breathing  the  fresh  air  and  be- 
holding the  sunlight ;  loaded  with  chains,  beaten  and  in- 
sulted, starving  and  thirsting,  spending  days  and  nights 
in  a  monotony  destructive  alike  to  soul  and  body,  — •  yet 
not  for  one  moment  did  he  lose  the  confident  belief 
that  this  horrible  lot  might  befall  any  one  rather  than 
himself,  and  something  must  interpose  to  save  him. 

On  the  march  farther  eastward,  which  began  with 
the  first  grey  dawn  of  morning,  he  called  this  resolute 
confidence  folly,  yet  strove  to  retain  it  and  succeeded. 


JOSHUA.  207 

The  road  led  through  the  desert,  and  at  the  end  of  a 
few  hours'  rapid  march  they  reached  the  first  fort,  called 
the  Fortress  of  Seti.  Long  before,  they  had  seen  it 
through  the  clear  desert  air,  apparently  within  a  bow- 
shot. 

Unrelieved  by  the  green  foliage  of  bush  or  palm- 
tree,  it  rose  from  the  bare,  stony,  sandy  soil,  with  its 
wooden  palisades,  its  rampart,  its  escarped  walls,  and 
its  lookout,  with  broad,  flat  roof,  swarming  with  armed 
warriors.  The  latter  had  heard  from  Pithom  that  the 
Hebrews  were  preparing  to  break  through  the  chain  of 
fortresses  on  the  isthmus  and  had  at  first  mistaken  the 
approaching  band  of  prisoners  for  the  vanguard  of  the 
wandering  Israelites. 

From  the  summits  of  the  strong  projections,  which 
jutted  like  galleries  from  every  direction  along  the 
entire  height  of  the  escarped  walls  to  prevent  the 
planting  of  scaling-ladders,  soldiers  looked  through  the 
embrasures  at  the  advancing  convicts ;  yet  the  archers 
had  replaced  their  arrows  in  the  quivers,  for  the 
watchmen  in  the  towers  perceived  how  few  were  the 
numbers  of  the  approaching  troop,  and  a  messenger 
had  already  delivered  to  the  commander  of  the  garrison 
an  order  from  his  superior  authorizing  him  to  permit 
the  passage  of  the  prisoners. 

The  gate  of  the  palisade  was  now  opened,  and  the 
captain  of  the  guards  allowed  the  prisoners  to  lie  down 
on  the  glowing  pavement  within. 

No  one  could  escape  hence,  even  if  the  guards 
withdrew ;  for  the  high  fence  was  almost  insurmount- 
able, and  from  the  battlements  on  the  top  of  the  jutting 
walls  darts  could  easily  reach  a  fugitive. 

The  ex-chief  did  not  fail  to  note   that  everything 


208  JOSHUA. 

was  ready,  as  if  in  the  midst  of  war,  for  defence  against 
a  foe.  Every  man  was  at  his  post,  and  beside  the 
huge  brazen  disk  on  the  tower  stood  sentinels,  each 
holding  in  his  hand  a  heavy  club  to  deal  a  blow  at  the 
approach  of  the  expected  enemy ;  for  though  as  far  as 
the  eye  could  reach,  neither  tree  nor  house  was  visible, 
the  sound  of  the  metal  plate  would  be  heard  at  the 
next  fortress  in  the  Etham  line,  and  warn  or  summon 
its  garrison. 

To  be  stationed  in  the  solitude  of  this  wilderness 
was  not  a  punishment,  but  a  misfortune ;  and  the  com- 
mander of  the  army  therefore  provided  that  the  same 
troops  should  never  remain  long  in  the  desert. 

Joshua  himself,  in  former  days,  had  been  in  com- 
mand of  the  most  southerly  of  these  fortresses,  called  the 
Migdol  of  the  South ;  for  each  one  of  the  fortifications 
bore  the  name  of  Migdol,  which  in  the  Semitic  tongue 
means  the  tower  of  a  fortress. 

His  people  were  evidently  expected  here;  and  it 
was  not  to  be  supposed  that  Moses  had  led  the  tribes 
back  to  Egypt.  So  they  must  have  remained  in  Suc- 
coth  or  have  turned  southward.  But  in  that  direction 
rolled  the  waters  of  the  Bitter  Lakes  and  the  Red 
Sea,  and  how  could  the  Hebrew  hosts  pass  through 
the  deep  waters  ? 

Hosea's  heart  throbbed  anxiously  at  this  thought, 
and  all  his  fears  were  to  find  speedy  confirmation ;  for 
he  heard  the  commander  of  the  fortress  tell  the  captain 
of  the  prisoners'  guards,  that  the  Hebrews  had  ap- 
proached the  line  of  fortifications  several  days  before,  but 
soon  after,  without  assaulting  the  garrison,  had  turned 
southward.  Since  then  they  seemed  to  have  been  wan- 
dering in  the  desert  between  Pithom  and  the  Red  Sea. 


JOSHUA.  20g 

All  this  had  been  instantly  reported  at  Tanis,  but  the 
king  was  forced  to  delay  the  departure  of  the  army  for 
several  days  until  the  week  of  general  mourning  for  the 
heir  to  the  throne  had  expired.  The  fugitives  might 
have  turned  this  to  account,  but  news  had  come  by  a 
carrier  dove  that  the  blinded  multitude  had  encamped 
at  Pihahiroth,  not  far  from  the  Red  Sea.  So  it  would 
be  easy  for  the  army  to  drive  them  into  the  water  like 
a  herd  of  cattle ;  there  was  no  escape  for  them  in  any 
other  direction. 

The  captain  listened  to  these  tidings  with  satisfac- 
tion ;  then  he  whispered  a  few  words  to  the  com- 
mander of  the  fortress  and  pointed  with  his  finger  to 
Joshua,  who  had  long  recognized  him  as  a  brother-in- 
arms who  had  commanded  a  hundred  men  in  his  own 
cohorts  and  to  whom  he  had  done  many  a  kindness. 
He  was  reluctant  to  reveal  his  identity  in  this  wretched 
plight  to  his  former  subordinate,  who  was  also  his 
debtor;  but  the  commander  flushed  as  he  saw  him, 
shrugged  his  shoulders  as  though  he  desired  to  express 
to  Joshua  regret  for  his  fate  and  the  impossibility  of 
doing  anything  for  him,  and  then  exclaimed  so  loudly 
that  he  could  not  fail  to  hear : 

"  The  regulations  forbid  any  conversation  with  pris- 
oners of  state,  but  I  knew  this  man  in  better  days,  and 
will  send  you  some  wine  which  I  beg  you  to  share 
with  him." 

As  he  walked  with  the  other  to  the  gate,  and  the 
latter  remarked  that  Hosea  deserved  such  favor  less 
than  the  meanest  of  the  band,  because  he  had  connived 
at  the  escape  of  the  fugitive  of  whom  he  had  just 
spoken,  the  commander  ran  his  hand  through  his  hair, 
and  answered  : 


210  JOSHUA. 

"  I  would  gladly  have  shown  him  some  kindness, 
though  he  is  much  indebted  to  me;  but  if  that  is  the 
case,  we  will  omit  the  wine;  you  have  rested  long 
enough  at  any  rate." 

The  captain  angrily  gave  the  order  for  departure, 
and  drove  the  hapless  band  deeper  into  the  desert 
toward  the  mines. 

This  time  Joshua  walked  with  drooping  head. 
Every  fibre  of  his  being  rebelled  against  the  misfortune 
of  being  dragged  through  the  wilderness  at  this  de- 
cisive hour,  far  from  his  people  and  the  father  whom  he 
knew  to  be  in  such  imminent  danger.  Under  his  guid- 
ance the  wanderers  might  perchance  have  found  some 
means  of  escape.  His  fist  clenched  when  he  thought 
of  the  fettered  limbs  which  forbade  him  to  utilize  the 
plans  his  brain  devised  for  the  welfare  of  his  people ;  yet 
he  would  not  lose  courage,  and  whenever  he  said  to  him- 
self that  the  Hebrews  were  lost  and  must  succumb  in 
this  struggle,  he  heard  the  new  name  God  Himself  had 
bestowed  upon  him  ring  in  his  ears  and  at  the  same 
moment  the  flames  of  hate  and  vengeance  on  all 
Egyptians,  which  had  been  fanned  anew  by  the  fortress 
commander's  base  conduct,  blazed  up  still  more 
brightly.  His  whole  rature  was  in  the  most  violent 
tumult  and  as  the  captain  noted  his  flushed  cheeks  and 
the  gloomy  light  in  his  eyes  he  thought  that  this  strong 
man,  too,  had  been  seized  by  the  fever  to  which  so 
many  convicts  fell  victims  on  the  march. 

When,  at  the  approach  of  darkness,  the  wretched 
band  sought  a  night's  rest  in  the  midst  of  the  wilder- 
ness, a  terrible  conflict  of  emotions  was  seething  in 
Joshua's  soul,  and  the  scene  around  him  fitly  har- 
monized with  his  mood;  for  black  clouds  had  again 


JOSHUA.  211 

risen  in  the  north  from  the  sea  and,  before  the  thunder 
and  lightning  burst  forth  and  the  rain  poured  in 
torrents,  howling,  whistling  winds  swept  masses  of 
scorching  sand  upon  the  recumbent  prisoners. 

After  these  dense  clouds  had  been  their  coverlet, 
pools  and  ponds  were  their  beds.  The  guards  had 
bound  them  together  hand  and  foot  and,  dripping  and 
shivering,  held  the  ends  of  the  ropes  in  their  hands ;  for 
the  night  was  as  black  as  the  embers  of  their  fire  which 
the  rain  had  extinguished,  and  who  could  have  pursued 
a  fugitive  through  such  darkness  and  tempest. 

But  Joshua  had  no  thought  of  secret  flight.  While 
the  Egyptians  were  trembling  and  moaning,  when  they 
fancied  they  heard  the  wrathful  voice  of  Seth,  and  the 
blinding  sheets  of  fire  flamed  from  the  clouds,  he  only 
felt  the  approach  of  the  angry  God,  whose  fury  he 
shared,  whose  hatred  was  also  his  own.  He  felt  himself 
a  witness  of  His  all-destroying  omnipotence,  and  his 
breast  swelled  more  proudly  as  he  told  himself  that  he 
was  summoned  to  wield  the  sword  in  the  service  of  this 
Mightiest  of  the  Mighty. 


CHAPTER   XX. 

THE  storm  which  had  risen  as  night  closed  in  swept 
over  the  isthmus.  The  waves  in  its  lakes  dashed  high, 
and  the  Red  Sea,  which  thrust  a  bay  shaped  like  the 
horn  of  a  snail  into  it  from  the  south,  was  lashed  to  the 
wildest  fury. 

Farther  northward,  where  Pharaoh's  army,  pro- 
tected by  the  Migdol  of  the  South,  the  strongest  fort  of 


212  JOSHUA. 

the  Etham  line,  had  encamped  a  short  time  before,  the 
sand  lashed  by  the  storm  whirled  through  the  air  and, 
in  the  quarter  occupied  by  the  king  and  his  great 
officials,  hammers  were  constantly  busy  driving  the 
tent-pins  deeper  into  the  earth;  for  the  brocades, 
cloths,  and  linen  materials  which  formed  the  portable 
houses  of  Pharaoh  and  his  court,  struck  by  the  gale, 
threatened  to  break  from  the  poles  by  which  they  were 
supported. 

Black  clouds  hung  in  the  north,  but  the  moon  and 
stars  were  often  visible,  and  flashes  of  distant  lightning 
frequently  brightened  the  horizon.  Even  now  the 
moisture  of  heaven  seemed  to  avoid  this  rainless  region 
and  in  all  directions  fires  were  burning,  which  the 
soldiers  surrounded  in  double  rows,  like  a  living  shield, 
to  keep  the  storm  from  scattering  the  fuel. 

The  sentries  had  a  hard  duty ;  for  the  atmosphere 
was  sultry,  in  spite  of  the  north  wind,  which  still  blew 
violently,  driving  fresh  clouds  of  sand  into  their  faces. 

Only  two  sentinels  were  pacing  watchfully  to  and 
fro  at  the  most  northern  gate  of  the  camp,  but  they 
were  enough  ;  for,  on  account  of  the  storm,  no  one  had 
appeared  for  a  long  time  to  demand  entrance  or  egress. 
At  last,  three  hours  after  sunset,  a  slender  figure,  scarcely 
beyond  boyhood,  approached  the  guards  with  a  firm 
step  and,  showing  a  messenger's  pass,  asked  the  way 
to  Prince  Siptah's  tent. 

He  seemed  to  have  had  a  toilsome  journey;  for  his 
thick  black  locks  were  tangled  and  his  feet  were 
covered  with  dust  and  dried  clay.  Yet  he  excited  no 
suspicion ;  for  his  bearing  was  that  of  a  self-reliant 
freeman,  his  messenger's  pass  was  perfectly  correct, 
and  the  letter  he  produced  was  really  directed  to 


JOSHUA.  213 

Prince  Siptah ;  a  scribe  of  the  corn  storehouses,  who 
was  sitting  at  the  nearest  fire  with  other  officials  and 
subordinate  officers,  examined  it. 

As  the  youth's  appearance  pleased  most  of  those 
present,  and  he  came  from  Tanis  and  perhaps  brought 
news,  a  seat  at  the  fire  and  a  share  in  the  meal  were 
offered ;  but  he  was  in  haste. 

Declining  the  invitation  with  thanks,  he  answered 
the  questions  curtly  and  hurriedly  and  begged  the  rest- 
ing soldiers  for  a  guide.  One  was  placed  at  his  dis- 
posal without  delay.  But  he  was  soon  to  learn  that  it 
would  not  be  an  easy  matter  to  reach  a  member  of  the 
royal  family;  for  the  tents  of  Pharaoh,  his  relatives, 
and  dignitaries  stood  in  a  special  spot  in  the  heart  of 
the  camp,  hedged  in  by  the  shields  of  the  heavily-armed 
troops. 

When  he  entered  he  was  challenged  again  and 
again,  and  his  messenger's  pass  and  the  prince's  letter 
were  frequently  inspected.  The  guide,  too,  was  sent 
back,  and  his  place  was  filled  by  an  aristocratic  lord, 
called  '  the  eye  and  ear  of  the  king,'  who  busied  himself 
with  the  seal  of  the  letter.  But  the  messenger  reso- 
lutely demanded  it,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  again  in  his 
hand,  and  two  tents  standing  side  by  side  rocking  in 
the  tempest  had  been  pointed  out  to  him,  one  as 
Prince  Siptah's,  the  other  as  the  shelter  of  Kasana,  the 
daughter  of  Hornecht,  for  whom  he  asked,  he  turned  to 
the  chamberlain  who  came  out  of  the  former  one, 
showed  him  the  letter,  and  asked  to  be  taken  to  the  . 
prince;  but  the  former  offered  to  deliver  the  letter  to 
his  master  —  whose  steward  he  was  —  and  Ephraim  — 
for  he  was  the  messenger  —  agreed,  if  he  would  ob- 
tain him  immediate  admission  to  the  young  widow. 
15 


214  JOSHUA. 

The  steward  seemed  to  lay  much  stress  upon  getting 
possession  of  the  letter  and,  after  scanning  Ephraim 
from  top  to  toe,  he  asked  if  Kasana  knew  him,  and 
when  the  other  assented,  adding  that  he  brought  her 
a  verbal  message,  the  Egyptian  said  smiling : 

"  Well  then  ;  but  we  must  protect  our  carpets  from 
such  feet,  and  you  seem  weary  and  in  need  of  refresh- 
ment. Follow  me." 

With  these  words  he  took  him  to  a  small  tent,  be- 
fore which  an  old  slave  and  one  scarcely  beyond  child- 
hood were  sitting  by  the  fire,  finishing  their  late  meal 
with  a  bunch  of  garlic. 

They  started  up  as  they  saw  their  master ;  but  he 
ordered  the  old  man  to  wash  the  messenger's  feet,  and 
bade  the  younger  ask  the  prince's  cook  in  his  name  for 
meat,  bread,  and  wine.  Then  he  led  Ephraim  to  his 
tent,  which  was  lighted  by  a  lantern,  and  asked  how 
he,  who  from  his  appearance  was  neither  a  slave  nor  a 
person  of  mean  degree,  had  come  into  such  a  pitiable 
plight.  The  messenger  replied  that  on  his  way  he  had 
bandaged  the  wounds  of  a  severely  injured  man  with 
the  upper  part  of  his  apron,  and  the  chamberlain  in- 
stantly went  to  his  baggage  and  gave  him  a  piece  of 
finely  plaited  linen. 

Ephraim's  reply,  which  was  really  very  near  the 
truth,  had  cost  him  so  little  thought  and  sounded  so 
sincere,  that  it  won  credence,  and  the  steward's  kind- 
ness seemed  to  him  so  worthy  of  gratitude  that  he  made 
no  objection  when  the  courtier,  without  injuring  the  seal, 
pressed  the  roll  of  papyrus  with  a  skilful  hand,  separating 
the  layers  and  peering  into  the  openings  to  decipher  the 
contents.  While  thus  engaged,  the  corpulent  courtier's 
round  eyes  sparkled  brightly  and  it  seemed  to  the  youth 


JOSHUA.  215 

as  if  the  countenance  of  the  man,  whose  comfortable 
plumpness  and  smooth  rotundity  at  first  appeared  like 
a  mirror  of  the  utmost  kindness  of  heart,  now  had  the 
semblance  of  a  cat's. 

As  soon  as  the  steward  had  completed  his  task,  he 
begged  the  youth  to  refresh  himself  in  all  comfort,  and 
did  not  return  until  Ephraim  had  bathed,  wrapped  a 
fresh  linen  upper-garment  around  his  hips,  perfumed  and 
anointed  his  hair,  and,  glancing  into  the  mirror,  was  in 
the  act  of  slipping  a  broad  gold  circlet  upon  his  arm. 

He  had  hesitated  some  time  ere  doing  this ;  for  he 
was  aware  that  he  would  encounter  great  perils ;  but 
this  circlet  was  his  one  costly  possession  and,  during 
his  captivity,  it  had  been  very  difficult  for  him  to  hide 
it  under  his  apron.  It  might  be  of  much  service  to  him 
but,  if  he  put  it  on,  it  would  attract  attention  and  in- 
crease the  danger  of  being  recognized. 

Yet  the  reflection  he  beheld  in  the  mirror,  vanity, 
and  the  desire  to  appear  well  in  Kasana's  eyes,  conquer- 
ed caution  and  prudent  consideration,  and  the  broad 
costly  ornament  soon  glittered  on  his  arm. 

The  steward  stood  in  astonishment  before  the  hand- 
some, aristocratic  youth,  so  haughty  in  his  bearing,  who 
had  taken  the  place  of  the  unassuming  messenger.  The 
question  whether  he  was  a  relative  of  Kasana  sprang 
to  his  lips,  and  receiving  an  answer  in  the  negative,  he 
asked  to  what  family  he  belonged. 

Ephraim  bent  his  eyes  on  the  ground  for  some  time 
in  embarrassment,  and  then  requested  the  Egyptian  to 
spare  him  an  answer  until  he  had  talked  with  Hornecht's 
daughter. 

The  other,  shaking  his  head,  looked  at  him  again, 
but  pressed  him  no  farther;  for  what  he  had  read  in  the 


2l6  JOSHUA. 

letter  was  a  secret  which  might  bring  death  to  whoever 
was  privy  to  it,  and  the  aristocratic  young  messenger 
was  doubtless  the  son  of  a  dignitary  who  belonged  to 
the  circle  of  the  fellow-conspirators  of  Prince  Siptah, 
his  master. 

A  chill  ran  through  the  courtier's  strong,  corpulent 
body,  and  he  gazed  with  mingled  sympathy  and  dread 
at  the  blooming  human  flower  associated  thus  early  in 
plans  fraught  with  danger. 

His  master  had  hitherto  only  hinted  at  the  secret, 
and  it  would  still  be  possible  for  him  to  keep  his  own 
fate  separate  from  his.  Should  he  do  so,  an  old  age 
free  from  care  lay  before  him ;  but,  if  he  joined  the 
prince  and  his  plan  succeeded,  how  high  he  might  rise  ! 
Terribly  momentous  was  the  choice  confronting  him, 
the  father  of  many  children,  and  beads  of  perspiration 
stood  on  his  brow  as,  incapable  of  any  coherent  thought, 
he  led  Ephraim  to  Kasana's  tent,  and  then  hastened 
to  his  master. 

Silence  reigned  within  the  light  structure,  which  was 
composed  of  poles  and  gay  heavy  stuffs,  tenanted  by  the 
beautiful  widow. 

With  a  throbbing  heart  Ephraim  approached  the 
entrance,  and  when  he  at  last  summoned  courage  and 
drew  aside  the  curtain  fastened  firmly  to  the  earth, 
which  the  wind  puffed  out  like  a  sail,  he  beheld  a  dark 
room,  from  which  a  similar  one  opened  on  the  right 
and  left.  The  one  on  the  left  was  as  dark  as  the  cen- 
tral one ;  but  a  flickering  light  stole  through  numerous 
chinks  of  the  one  on  the  right.  The  tent  was  one  of 
those  with  a  flat  roof,  divided  into  three  apartments, 
which  he  had  often  seen,  and  the  woman  who  irresistibly 
attracted  him  was  doubtless  in  the  lighted  one. 


JOSHUA.  217 

To  avoid  exposing  himself  to  fresh  suspicion,  he 
must  conquer  his  timid  delay,  and  he  had  already  stooped 
and  loosed  the  loop  which  fastened  the  curtain  to  the 
hook  in  the  floor,  when  the  door  of  the  lighted  room 
opened  and  a  woman's  figure  entered  the  dark  central 
chamber. 

Was  it  she  ? 

Should  he  venture  to  speak  to  her  ? 

Yes,  it  must  be  done. 

Panting  for  breath  and  clenching  his  hands,  he  sum- 
moned up  his  courage  as  if  he  were  about  to  steal  un- 
bidden into  the  most  sacred  sanctuary  of  a  temple. 
Then  he  pushed  the  curtain  aside,  and  the  woman 
whom  he  had  just  noticed  greeted  him  with  a  low  cry. 

But  he  speedily  regained  his  composure,  for  a  ray  of 
light  had  fallen  on  her  face,  revealing  that  the  person 
who  stood  before  him  was  not  Kasana,  but  her  nurse, 
who  had  accompanied  her  to  the  prisoners  and  then  to 
the  camp.  She,  too,  recognized  him  and  stared  at  him 
as  though  he  had  risen  from  the  grave. 

They  were  old  acquaintances;  for  when  he  was  first 
brought  to  the  archer's  house  she  had  prepared  his  bath 
and  moistened  his  wound  with  balsam,  and  during  his 
second  stay  beneath  the  same  roof,  she  had  joined  her 
mistress  in  nursing  him.  They  had  chatted  away  many 
an  hour  together,  and  he  knew  that  she  was  kindly  dis- 
posed toward  him ;  for  when  midway  between  waking 
and  sleeping,  in  his  burning  fever,  her  hand  had  stroked 
him  with  maternal  tenderness,  and  afterwards  she  had 
never  wearied  of  questioning  him  about  his  people  and 
at  last  had  acknowledged  that  she  was  descended  from 
the  Syrians,  who  were  allied  to  the  Hebrews.  Nay,  even 
his  language  was  not  wholly  strange  to  her ;  for  she  had 


2l8  JOSHUA. 

been  a  woman  of  twenty  when  dragged  to  Egypt  with 
other  prisoners  of  Rameses  the  Great.  Ephraim,  she 
was  fond  of  saying,  reminded  her  of  her  own  son  when 
he  was  still  younger. 

The  youth  had  no  ill  to  fear  from  her,  so  grasping 
her  hand,  he  whispered  that  he  had  escaped  from  his 
guards  and  come  to  ask  counsel  from  her  mistress  and 
herself. 

The  word  "  escaped  "  was  sufficient  to  satisfy  the 
old  woman ;  for  her  idea  of  ghosts  was  that  they  put 
others  to  flight,  but  did  not  fly  themselves.  Relieved, 
she  stroked  the  youth's  curls  and,  ere  his  whispered  ex- 
planation was  ended,  turned  her  back  upon  him  and 
hurried  into  the  lighted  room  to  tell  her  mistress  whom 
she  had  found  outside. 

A  few  minutes  after  Ephraim  was  standing  before 
the  woman  who  had  become  the  guiding  star  of  his 
life.  With  glowing  cheeks  he  gazed  into  the  beautiful 
face,  still  flushed  by  weeping,  and  though  it  gave  his 
heart  a  pang  when,  before  vouchsafing  him  a  greeting, 
she  enquired  whether  Hosea  had  accompanied  him,  he 
forgot  the  foolish  pain  when  he  saw  her  gaze  warmly  at 
him.  Yet  when  the  nurse  asked  whether  she  did  not 
think  he  looked  well  and  vigorous,  and  withal  more 
manly  in  appearance,  it  seemed  as  though  he  had  really 
grown  taller,  and  his  heart  beat  faster  and  faster. 

Kasana  desired  to  learn  the  minutest  details  of  his 
uncle's  experiences ;  but  after  he  had  done  her  bidding 
and  finally  yielded  to  the  wish  to  speak  of  his  own  fate, 
she  interrupted  him  to  consult  the  nurse  concerning  the 
means  of  saving  him  from  unbidden  looks  and  fresh 
dangers  —  and  the  right  expedient  was  soon  found. 

First,  with  Ephraim's  help,  the  old  woman  closed 


JOSHUA.  219 

the  main  entrance  of  the  tent  as  firmly  as  possible,  and 
then  pointed  to  the  dark  room  into  which  he  must 
speedily  and  softly  retire  as  soon  as  she  beckoned  to 
him. 

Meanwhile  Kasana  had  poured  some  wine  into  a 
goblet,  and  when  he  came  back  with  the  nurse  she 
made  him  sit  down  on  the  giraffe  skin  at  her  feet  and 
asked  how  he  had  succeeded  in  evading  the  guards,  and 
what  he  expected  from  the  future.  She  would  tell  him 
in  advance  that  her  father  had  remained  in  Tanis,  so  he 
need  not  fear  recognition  and  betrayal. 

Her  pleasure  in  this  meeting  was  evident  to  both 
eyes  and  ears ;  nay,  when  Ephraim  commenced  his 
story  by  saying  that  Prince  Siptah's  command  to  re- 
move the  prisoners'  chains,  for  which  they  were  indebted 
solely  to  her,  had  rendered  his  escape  possible,  she 
clapped  her  hands  like  a  child.  Then  her  face  clouded 
and,  with  a  deep  sigh,  she  added  that  ere  his  arrival 
her  heart  had  almost  broken  with  grief  and  tears  ;  but 
Hosea  should  learn  what  a  woman  would  sacrifice  for 
the  most  ardent  desire  of  her  heart. 

She  repaid  with  grateful  words  Ephraim's  assurance 
that,  before  his  flight,  he  had  offered  to  release  his 
uncle  from  his  bonds  and,  when  she  learned  that  Joshua 
had  refused  to  accept  his  nephew's  aid,  lest  it  might  en- 
danger the  success  of  the  plan  he  had  cleverly  devised 
for  him,  she  cried  out  to  her  nurse,  with  tearful  eyes, 
that  Hosea  alone  would  have  been  capable  of  such  a 
deed. 

To  the  remainder  of  the  fugitive's  tale  she  listened 
intently,  often  interrupting  him  with  sympathizing 
questions. 

The  torturing  days  and  nights  of  the  past,  which 


220  JOSHUA. 

had  reached  such  a  happy  termination,  seemed  now 
like  a  blissful  dream,  a  bewildering  fairy-tale,  and  the 
goblet  she  constantly  replenished  was  not  needed  to 
lend  fire  to  his  narrative. 

Never  before  had  he  been  so  eloquent  as  while  de- 
scribing how,  in  the  ravine,  he  had  stepped  on  some 
loose  stones  and  rolled  head  foremost  down  into  the 
chasm  with  them.  On  reaching  the  bottom  he  had  be- 
lieved that  all  was  lost ;  for  soon  after  extricating  himself 
from  the  rubbish  that  had  buried  him,  in  order  to  hurry 
to  the  pool,  he  had  heard  the  whistle  of  the  guards. 

Yet  he  had  been  a  good  runner  from  his  childhood, 
had  learned  in  his  native  pastures  to  guide  himself  by 
the  light  of  the  stars,  so  without  glancing  to  the  right 
or  to  the  left,  he  had  hastened  southward  as  fast  as  his 
feet  would  carry  him.  Often  in  the  darkness  he  had 
fallen  over  stones  or  tripped  in  the  hollows  of  the 
desert  sand,  but  only  to  rise  again  quickly  and  dash 
onward,  onward  toward  the  south,  where  he  knew  he 
should  find  her,  Kasana,  her  for  whose  sake  he  reck- 
lessly flung  to  the  winds  what  wiser  heads  had  counselled, 
her  for  whom  he  was  ready  to  sacrifice  liberty  and  life. 

Whence  he  derived  the  courage  to  confess  this,  he 
knew  not,  and  neither  the  blow  from  her  fan,  nor  the 
warning  exclamation  of  the  nurse  :  "  Just  look  at  the 
boy !  "  sobered  him.  Nay,  his  sparkling  eyes  sought 
hers  still  more  frequently  as  he  continued  his  story. 

One  of  the  hounds  which  attacked  him  he  had 
flung  against  a  rock,  and  the  other  he  pelted  with 
stones  till  it  fled  howling  into  a  thicket.  He  had  seen 
no  other  pursuers,  either  that  night,  or  during  the  whole 
of  the  next  day.  At  last  he  again  reached  a  travelled 
road  and  found  country  people  who  told  him  which 


JOSHUA.  221 

way  Pharaoh's  army  had  marched.  At  noon,  over- 
whelmed by  fatigue,  he  had  fallen  asleep  under  the 
shade  of  a  sycamore,  and  when  he  awoke  the  sun  was 
near  its  setting.  He  was  very  hungry,  so  he  took  a 
few  turnips  from  a  neighboring  field.  But  their  owner 
suddenly  sprang  from  a  ditch  near  by,  and  he  barely 
escaped  his  pursuit. 

He  had  wandered  along  during  a  part  of  the  night, 
and  then  rested  beside  a  well  on  the  roadside,  for  he 
knew  that  wild  beasts  shun  such  frequented  places. 

After  sunrise  he  continued  his  march,  following  the 
road  taken  by  the  army.  Everywhere  he  found  traces 
of  it,  and  when,  shortly  before  noon,  exhausted  and 
faint  from  hunger,  he  reached  a  village  in  the  corn- 
lands  watered  by  the  Seti-canal,  he  debated  whether 
to  sell  his  gold  armlet,  obtain  more  strengthening  food, 
and  receive  some  silver  and  copper  in  change.  But 
he  was  afraid  of  being  taken  for  a  thief  and  again  im- 
prisoned, for  his  apron  had  been  tattered  by  the  thorns, 
and  his  sandals  had  long  since  dropped  from  his  feet. 
He  had  believed  that  even  the  hardest  hearts  could 
not  fail  to  pity  his  misery  so,  hard  as  it  was  for  him, 
he  had  knocked  at  a  peasant's  door  and  begged.  But 
the  man  gave  him  nothing  save  the  jeering  counsel 
that  a  strong  young  fellow  like  him  ought  to  use  his 
arms  and  leave  begging  to  the  old  and  weak.  A 
second  peasant  had  even  threatened  to  beat  him; 
but  as  he  walked  on  with  drooping  head,  a  young 
woman  whom  he  had  noticed  in  front  of  the  barbarian's 
house  followed  him,  thrust  some  bread  and  dates  into  his 
hand,  and  whispered  hastily  that  heavy  taxes  had  been 
levied  on  the  village  when  Pharaoh  marched  through, 
or  she  would  have  given  him  something  better. 


222  JOSHUA. 

This  unexpected  donation,  which  he  had  eaten  at 
the  next  well,  had  not  tasted  exactly  like  a  festal  ban- 
quet, but  he  did  not  tell  Kasana  that  it  had  been 
embittered  by  the  doubt  whether  to  fulfil  Joshua's 
commission  and  return  to  his  people  or  yield  to  the 
longing  that  drew  him  to  her. 

He  moved  forward  irresolutely,  but  fate  seemed  to 
have  undertaken  to  point  out  his  way;  for  after  walking 
a  short  half  hour,  the  latter  portion  of  the  time  through 
barren  land,  he  had  found  by  the  wayside  a  youth  of 
about  his  own  age  who,  moaning  with  pain,  held  his 
foot  clasped  between  both  hands.  Pity  led  him  to  go 
to  him  and,  to  his  astonishment,  he  recognized  the 
runner  and  messenger  of  Kasana's  father,  with  whom 
he  had  often  talked. 

"  Apu,  our  nimble  Nubian  runner  ?"  cried  the  young 
widow,  and  Ephraim  assented  and  then  added  that 
the  messenger  had  been  despatched  to  convey  a  letter 
to  Prince  Siptah  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  the  swift- 
footed  lad,  who  was  wont  to  outstrip  his  master's 
noble  steeds,  had  shot  over  the  road  like  an  arrow  and 
would  have  reached  his  destination  in  two  hours  more, 
had  he  not  stepped  on  the  sharp  edge  of  a  bottle  that 
had  been  shattered  by  a  wagon-wheel  —  and  made  a 
deep  and  terrible  wound. 

"  And  you  helped  him  ?"  asked  Kasana. 

"  How  could  I  do  otherwise  ?"  replied  Ephraim. 
"  He  had  already  lost  a  great  deal  of  blood  and  was 
pale  as  death.  So  I  carried  him  to  the  nearest  ditch, 
washed  the  gaping  wound,  and  anointed  it  with  his 
balsam." 

"  I  put  the  little  box  in  his  pouch  myself  a  year 
ago,"  said  the  nurse  who  was  easily  moved,  wiping  her 


JOSHUA.  223 

eyes.  Ephraim  confirmed  the  statement,  for  Apu  had 
gratefully  told  him  of  it.  Then  he  went  on. 

"  I  tore  my  upper  garment  into  strips  and  bandaged 
the  wound  as  well  as  I  could.  Meanwhile  he  con- 
stantly urged  haste,  held  out  the  pass  and  letter  his 
master  had  given  him  and,  knowing  nothing  of  the 
misfortune  which  had  befallen  me,  charged  me  to  de- 
liver the  roll  to  the  prince  in  his  place.  Oh,  how 
willingly  I  undertook  the  task  and,  soon  after  the 
second  hour  had  passed,  I  reached  the  camp.  The 
letter  is  in  the  prince's  hands,  and  here  am  I  —  and  I 
can  see  that  you  are  glad !  But  no  one  was  ever  so 
happy  as  I  to  sit  here  at  your  feet,  and  look  up  to  you, 
so  grateful  as  I  am  that  you  have  listened  to  me  so  kind- 
ly, and  if  they  load  me  with  chains  again  1  will  bear  it 
calmly,  if  you  will  but  care  for  me.  Ah,  my  misfortune 
has  been  so  great !  I  have  neither  father  nor  mother, 
no  one  who  loves  me.  You,  you  alone  are  dear,  and 
you  will  not  repulse  me,  will  you  ?" 

He  had  fairly  shouted  the  last  words,  as  if  beside 
himself,  and  carried  away  by  the  might  of  passion  and 
rendered  incapable  by  the  terrible  experiences  of  the 
past  few  hours  of  controlling  the  emotions  that  assailed 
him,  the  youth,  still  scarcely  beyond  childhood,  who 
saw  himself  torn  away  from  and  bereft  of  all  that  had 
usually  sustained  and  supported  him,  sobbed  aloud, 
and  like  a  frightened  birdling  seeking  protection  under 
its  mother's  wings,  hid  his  head,  amid  floods  of  tears, 
in  Kasana's  lap. 

Warm  compassion  seized  upon  the  tender-hearted 
young  widow,  and  her  own  eyes  grew  dim.  She  laid 
her  hands  kindly  upon  his  head,  and  feeling  the  tremor 
that  shook  the  frame  of  the  weeping  lad,  she  raised  his 


224  JOSHUA. 

head  with  both  hands,  kissed  his  brow  and  cheeks, 
looked  smilingly  into  his  eyes  with  tears  in  her  own, 
and  exclaimed  : 

"  You  poor,  foolish  fellow !  Why  should  I  not 
care  for  you,  why  should  I  repel  you  ?  Your  uncle  is 
the  most  beloved  of  men  to  me,  and  you  are  like  his 
son.  For  your  sakes  I  have  already  accepted  what  I 
should  otherwise  have  thrust  far,  far  from  me !  But 
now  I  must  go  on,  and  must  not  care  what  others  may 
think  or  say  of  me,  if  only  I  can  accomplish  the  one 
thing  for  which  I  am  risking  person,  life,  all  that  I  once 
prized !  Wait,  you  poor,  impulsive  fellow  !" —  and  here 
she  again  kissed  him  on  the  cheeks  — "  I  shall  succeed 
in  smoothing  the  path  for  you  also.  That  is  enough 
now!" 

This  command  sounded  graver,  and  was  intended  to 
curb  the  increasing  impetuosity  of  the  ardent  youth. 
But  she  suddenly  started  up,  exclaiming  with  anxious 
haste :  "  Go,  go,  at  once !" 

The  footsteps  of  men  approaching  the  tent,  and  a 
warning  word  from  the  nurse  had  brought  this  stern 
order  to  the  young  widow's  lips,  and  Ephraim's  quick 
ear  made  him  understand  her  anxiety  and  urged  him  to 
join  the  old  nurse  in  the  dark  room.  There  he  per- 
ceived that  a  few  moments'  delay  would  have  betrayed 
him ;  for  the  curtain  of  the  tent  was  drawn  aside  and  a 
man  passed  through  the  central  space  straight  to  the 
lighted  apartment,  where  Kasana  —  the  youth  heard  it 
distinctly  —  welcomed  the  new  guest  only  too  cor- 
dially, as  though  his  late  arrival  surprised  her. 

Meanwhile  the  nurse  had  seized  her  own  cloak, 
flung  it  over  the  fugitive's  bare  shoulders,  and  whis- 
pered : 


JOSHUA.  225 

"  Be  near  the  tent  just  before  sunrise,  but  do  not 
enter  it  until  I  call  you,  if  you  value  your  life.  You 
have  neither  mother  nor  father,  and  my  child  Kasana — 
ah,  what  a  dear,  loving  heart  she  has  !  —  she  is  the  best 
of  all  good  women ;  but  whether  she  is  fit  to  be  the 
guide  of  an  inexperienced  young  blusterer,  whose  heart 
is  blazing  like  dry  straw  with  love  for  her,  is  another 
question.  I  considered  many  things,  while  listening  to 
your  story,  and  on  account  of  my  liking  for  you  I  will 
tell  you  this.  You  have  an  uncle  who  —  my  child  is 
right  there  —  is  the  best  of  men,  and  I  know  mankind. 
Whatever  he  advised,  do ;  for  it  will  surely  benefit 
you.  Obey  him !  If  his  bidding  leads  you  far  away 
from  here  and  Kasana,  so  much  the  better  for  you. 
We  are  walking  in  dangerous  paths,  and  had  it  not 
been  done  for  Hosea's  sake,  I  would  have  tried  to  hold 
her  back  with  all  my  might.  But  for  him  —  I  am  an 
old  woman ;  but  I  would  go  through  fire  myself  for 
that  man.  I  am  more  grieved  than  I  can  tell,  both  for 
the  pure,  sweet  child  and  for  yourself,  whom  my  own 
son  was  once  so  much  like,  so  I  repeat :  Obey  your 
uncle,  boy !  Do  that,  or  you  will  go  to  ruin,  and  that 
would  be  a  pity  !" 

With  these  words,  without  waiting  for  an  answer, 
she  drew  the  curtain  of  the  tent  aside,  and  waited  until 
Ephraim  had  slipped  through.  Then,  wiping  her  eyes, 
she  entered,  as  if  by  chance,  the  lighted  chamber;  but 
Kasana  and  her  late  guest  had  matters  to  discuss  that 
brooked  no  witnesses,  and  her  "  dear  child  "  only  per- 
mitted her  to  light  her  little  lamp  at  the  three-armed 
candelabra,  and  then  sent  her  to  rest. 

She  promptly  obeyed  and,  in  the  dark  room,  where 


226  JOSHUA. 

her  couch  stood  beside  that  of  her  mistress,  she  sank 
down,  hid  her  face  in  her  hands,  and  wept. 

She  felt  as  though  the  world  was  upside  down. 
She  no  longer  understood  her  darling  Kasana ;  for  she 
was  sacrificing  purity  and  honor  for  the  sake  of  a  man 
whom  —  she  knew  it  —  her  soul  abhorred. 


CHAPTER   XXL 

EPHRAIM  cowered  in  the  shadow  of  the  tent,  from 
which  he  had  slipped,  and  pressed  his  ear  close  to  the 
wall.  He  had  cautiously  ripped  a  small  opening  in  a 
seam  of  the  cloth,  so  he  could  see  and  hear  what  was 
passing  in  the  lighted  room  of  the  woman  he  loved. 

The  storm  kept  every  one  within  the  tents  whom 
duty  did  not  summon  into  the  open  air,  and  Ephraim 
had  less  reason  to  fear  discovery  on  account  of  the 
deep  shadow  that  rested  on  the  spot  where  he  lay. 
The  nurse's  cloak  covered  him  and,  though  shiver  after 
shiver  shook  his  young  limbs,  it  was  due  to  the  bitter 
anguish  that  pierced  his  soul. 

The  man  on  whose  breast  he  saw  Kasana  lay  her 
head  was  a  prince,  a  person  of  high  rank  and  great 
power,  and  the  capricious  beauty  did  not  always  repel 
the  bold  man,  when  his  lips  sought  those  for  whose 
kiss  Ephraim  so  ardently  longed. 

She  owed  him  nothing,  it  is  true,  yet  her  heart 
belonged  to  his  uncle,  whom  she  had  preferred  to  all 
others.  She  had  declared  herself  ready  to  endure  the 
most  terrible  things  for  his  liberation ;  and  now  his  own 
eyes  told  him  that  she  was  false  and  faithless,  that  she 


JOSHUA.  227 

granted  to  another  what  belonged  to  one  alone.  She 
had  bestowed  caresses  on  him,  too,  but  these  were  only 
the  crumbs  that  fell  from  Hosea's  table,  a  robbery  —  he 
confessed  it  with  a  blush  —  he  had  perpetrated  on  his 
uncle,  yet  he  felt  offended,  insulted,  deceived,  and  con- 
sumed to  his  inmost  soul  with  fierce  jealousy  on  be- 
half of  his  uncle,  whom  he  honored,  nay,  loved, 
though  he  had  opposed  his  wishes. 

And  Hosea  ?  Why,  he  too,  like  himself,  this 
princely  suitor,  and  all  other  men,  must  love  her,  spite 
of  his  strange  conduct  at  the  well  by  the  roadside  —  it 
was  impossible  •  for  him  to  do  otherwise  —  and  now, 
safe  from  the  poor  prisoner's  resentment,  she  was 
basely,  treacherously  enjoying  another's  tender  caresses. 

Siptah,  he  had  heard  at  their  last  meeting,  was  his 
uncle's  foe,  and  it  was  to  him  that  she  betrayed  the 
man  she  loved ! 

The  chink  in  the  tent  was  ready  to  show  him 
everything  that  occurred  within,  but  he  often  closed 
his  eyes  that  he  might  not  behold  it.  Often,  it  is  true, 
the  hateful  scene  held  him  in  thrall  by  a  mysterious 
spell  and  he  would  fain  have  torn  the  walls  of  the  tent 
asunder,  struck  the  detested  Egyptian  to  the  ground, 
and  shouted  into  the  faithless  woman's  face  the  name 
of  Hosea,  coupled  with  the  harshest  reproaches. 

The  fervent  passion  which  had  taken  possession  of 
him  was  suddenly  transformed  to  hate  and  scorn.  He 
had  believed  himself  to  be  the  happiest  of  mortals,  and 
he  had  suddenly  become  the  most  miserable ;  no  one, 
he  believed,  had  ever  experienced  such  a  fall  from  the 
loftiest  heights  to  the  lowest  depths. 

The  nurse  had  been  right.      Naught  save  misery 


228  JOSHUA. 

and  despair  could  come  to  him  from  so  faithless  a 
woman. 

Once  he  started  up  to  fly,  but  he  again  heard  the 
bewitching  tones  of  her  musical  laugh,  and  mysterious 
powers  detained  him,  forcing  him  to  listen. 

At  first  the  seething  blood  had  throbbed  so  violently 
in  his  ears  that  he  felt  unable  to  follow  the  dialogue  in 
the  lighted  tent.  But,  by  degrees,  he  grasped  the  pur- 
port of  whole  sentences,  and  now  he  understood  all 
that  they  said,  not  a  word  of  their  further  conversation 
escaped  him,  and  it  was  absorbing  enough,  though  it 
revealed  a  gulf  from  which  he  shrank  shuddering. 

Kasana  refused  the  bold  suitor  many  favors  for 
which  he  pleaded,  but  this  only  impelled  him  to  be- 
seech her  more  fervently  to  give  herself  to  him,  and  the 
prize  he  offered  in  return  was  the  highest  gift  of  earth, 
the  place  by  his  side  as  queen  on  the  throne  of  Egypt, 
to  which  he  aspired.  He  said  this  distinctly,  but  what 
followed  was  harder  to  understand ;  for  the  passionate 
suitor  was  in  great  haste  and  often  interrupted  his 
hasty  sentences  to  assure  Kasana,  to  whose  hands  in 
this  hour  he  was  committing  his  life  and  liberty,  of  his 
changeless  love,  or  to  soothe  her  when  the  boldness  of 
his  advances  awakened  fear  and  aversion.  But  he  soon 
began  to  speak  of  the  letter  whose  bearer  Ephraim  had 
been  and,  after  reading  it  aloud  and  explaining  it,  the 
youth  realized  with  a  slight  shudder  that  he  had  be- 
come an  accomplice  in  the  most  criminal  of  all  plots, 
and  for  a  moment  the  longing  stole  over  him  to  betray 
the  traitors  and  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  the 
mighty  sovereign  whose  destruction  they  were  plotting. 
But  he  repelled  the  thought  and  merely  sunned  himself 
in  the  pleasurable  consciousness  —  the  first  during  this 


JOSHUA.  229 

cruel  hour  —  of  holding  Kasana  and  her  royal  lover  in 
his  hand  as  one  holds  a  beetle  by  a  string.  This  had  a 
favorable  effect  on  him  and  restored  the  confidence  and 
courage  he  had  lost.  The  baser  the  things  he  continued 
to  hear,  the  more  clearly  he  learned  to  appreciate  the 
value  of  the  goodness  and  truth  which  he  had  lost. 
His  uncle's  words,  too,  came  back  to  his  memory. 

"  Give  no  man,  from  the  loftiest  to  the  lowliest,  a 
right  to  regard  you  save  with  respect,  and  you  can 
hold  your  head  as  high  as  the  proudest  warrior  who 
ever  wore  purple  robe  and  golden  armor." 

On  the  couch  in  Kasana's  house,  while  shaking  with 
fever,  he  had  constantly  repeated  this  sentence ;  but  in 
the  misery  of  captivity,  and  on  his  flight  it  had  again 
vanished  from  his  memory.  In  the  courtier's  tent  when, 
after  he  had  bathed  and  perfumed  himself,  the  old  slave 
held  a  mirror  before  him,  he  had  given  it  a  passing 
thought ;  but  now  it  mastered  his  whole  soul.  And 
strange  to  say,  the  worthless  traitor  within  wore  a  pur- 
ple coat  and  golden  mail,  and  looked  like  a  military 
hero,  but  he  could  not  hold  his  head  erect,  for  the  work 
he  sought  to  accomplish  could  only  succeed  in  the 
secresy  that  shuns  the  light,  and  was  like  the  labor  of 
the  hideous  mole  which  undermines  the  ground  in  the 
darkness. 

His  tool  was  the  repulsive  cloven-footed  trio,  false- 
hood, fraud,  and  faithlessness,  and  she  whom  he  had 
chosen  for  his  help-mate  was  the  woman  —  it  shamed 
him  to  his  inmost  soul  —  for  whom  he  had  been  in  the 
act  of  sacrificing  all  that  was  honorable,  precious,  and 
dear  to  him. 

The  worst  infamies  which  he  had  been  taught  to 
16 


230  JOSHUA. 

shun  were  the  rounds  of  the  ladder  on  which  this  evil 
man  intended  to  mount. 

The  roll  the  youth  had  brought  to  the  camp  con- 
tained two  letters.  The  first  was  from  the  conspirators 
in  Tanis,  the  second  from  Siptah's  mother. 

The  former  desired  his  speedy  return  and  told  him 
that  the  Syrian  Aarsu,  the  commander  of  the  foreign 
mercenaries,  who  guarded  the  palace,  as  well  as  the 
women's  house,  was  ready  to  do  him  homage.  If  the 
high-priest  of  Amon,  who  was  at  once  chief-judge,  vice- 
roy and  keeper  of  the  seal,  proclaimed  him  king,  he 
was  sovereign  and  could  enter  the  palace  which  stood 
open  to  him  and  ascend  the  throne  without  resistance.  If 
Pharaoh  returned,  the  body-guards  would  take  him 
prisoner  and  remove  him  as  Siptah,  who  liked  no  half- 
way measures,  had  secretly  directed,  while  the  chief- 
priest  insisted  upon  keeping  him  in  mild  imprisonment. 

Nothing  was  to  be  feared  save  the  premature  return 
from  Thebes  of  Seti,  the  second  son  of  Menephtah  ; 
for  the  former,  after  his  older  brother's  death,  had  be- 
come heir  to  the  throne,  and  carrier  doves  had  brought 
news  yesterday  that  he  was  now  on  his  way.  Therefore 
Siptah  and  the  powerful  priest  who  was  to  proclaim 
him  king  were  urged  to  the  utmost  haste. 

The  necessary  measures  had  been  adopted  in  case 
of  possible  resistance  from  the  army  ;  for  as  soon  as  the 
Hebrews  had  been  destroyed,  the  larger  portion  of  the 
troops,  without  any  suspicion  of  the  impending  de- 
thronement of  their  commander-in-chief,  would  be  sent 
to  their  former  stations.  The  body-guards  were  devoted 
to  Siptah,  and  the  others  who  entered  the  capital, 
should  worst  come  to  worst,  could  be  easily  overpowered 
by  Aarsu  and  his  mercenaries. 


JOSHUA.  231 

"  There  is  nothing  farther  for  me  to  do,"  said  the 
prince,  "stretching  himself  comfortably,  like  a  man  who 
has  successfully  accomplished  a  toilsome  task,"  except 
to  rush  back  to  Tanis  in  a  few  hours  with  Ba'i,  have 
myself  crowned  and  proclaimed  king  in  the  temple  of 
Amon,  and  finally  received  in  the  palace  as  Pharaoh. 
The  rest  will  take  care  of  itself.  Seti,  whom  they  call  the 
heir  to  the  throne,  is  just  such  another  weakling  as  his 
father,  and  must  submit  to  a  fixed  fact,  or  if  necessary, 
be  forced  to  do  so.  The  captain  of  the  body-guards 
will  see  that  Menephtah  does  not  again  enter  the 
palace  in  the  city  of  Rameses. 

The  second  letter  which  was  addressed  to  the 
Pharaoh,  had  been  written  by  the  mother  of  the  prince 
in  order  to  recall  her  son  and  the  chief-priest  Ba'i  to  the 
capital  as  quickly  as  possible,  without  exposing  the  for- 
mer to  the  reproach  of  cowardice  for  having  quitted 
the  army  so  shortly  before  the  battle.  Though  she 
had  never  been  better,  she  protested  with  hypocritical 
complaints  and  entreaties,  that  the  hours  of  her  life 
were  numbered,  and  besought  the  king  to  send  her  son 
and  the  chief-priest  Bai  to  her  without  delay,  that  she 
might  be  permitted  to  bless  her  only  child  before  her 
death. 

She  was  conscious  of  many  a  sin,  and  no  one,  save 
the  high-priest,  possessed  the  power  of  winning  the 
favor  of  the  gods  for  her,  a  dying  woman.  Without  his 
intercession  she  would  perish  in  despair. 

This  letter,  too,  the  base  robber  of  a  crown  read 
aloud,  called  it  a  clever  bit  of  feminine  strategy,  and 
rubbed  his  hands  gleefully. 

Treason,  murder,  hypocrisy,  fraud,  shameful  abuse 
of  the  most  sacred  feelings,  nay  all  that  was  evil  must 


232  JOSHUA. 

serve  Siptah  to  steal  the  throne,  and  though  Kasana  had 
wrung  her  hands  and  shed  tears  when  she  heard  that 
he  meant  to  remove  Pharaoh  from  his  path,  she  grew 
calmer  after  the  prince  had  represented  that  her  own 
father  had  approved  of  his  arrangements  for  the 
deliverance  of  Egypt  from  the  hand  of  the  king,  her 
destroyer. 

The  letter  from  the  prince's  mother  to  Pharaoh,  the 
mother  who  urged  her  own  son  to  the  most  atrocious 
crimes,  was  the  last  thing  Ephraim  heard ;  for  it  roused 
in  the  young  Hebrew,  who  was  wont  to  consider  nothing 
purer  and  more  sacred  than  the  bonds  which  united 
parents  and  children,  such  fierce  indignation,  that  he 
raised  his  fist  threateningly  and,  springing  up,  opened 
his  lips  in  muttered  invective. 

He  did  not  hear  that  Kasana  made  the  prince 
swear  that,  if  he  attained  the  sovereign  power,  he  would 
grant  her  first  request.  It  should  cost  him  neither 
money  nor  lands,  and  only  give  her  the  right  to  exer- 
cise mercy  where  her  heart  demanded  it;  for  things 
were  in  store  which  must  challenge  the  wrath  of  the 
gods  and  he  must  leave  her  to  soothe  it. 

Ephraim  could  not  endure  to  see  or  hear  more  of 
these  abominable  things. 

For  the  first  time  he  felt  how  great  a  danger  he  ran 
of  being  dragged  into  this  marsh  and  becoming  a  lost, 
evil  man;  but  never,  he  thought,  would  he  have  been 
so  corrupt,  so  worthless,  as  this  prince.  His  uncle's 
words  again  returned  to  his  mind,  and  he  now  raised 
his  head  proudly  and  arched  his  chest  as  if  to  assure 
himself  of  his  own  unbroken  vigor,  saying  meanwhile, 
with  a  long  breath,  that  he  was  of  too  much  worth  to 
ruin  himself  for  the  sake  of  a  wicked  woman,  even 


JOSHUA.  233 

though,  like  Kasana,  she  was  the  fairest  and  most  be- 
witching under  the  sun. 

Away,  away  from  the  neighborhood  of  this  net, 
which  threatened  to  entangle  him  in  murder  and  every 
deed  of  infamy. 

Resolved  to  seek  his  people,  he  turned  toward  the 
gate  of  the  camp,  but  after  a  few  hasty  steps  paused, 
and  a  glance  at  the  sky  showed  him  that  it  was  the 
second  hour  past  midnight.  Every  surrounding  object 
was  buried  in  silence  save  that  from  the  neighboring 
pens  of  the  royal  steeds,  came  the  sound  of  the  rattle 
of  a  chain,  or  of  the  stamp  of  a  stallion's  hoof. 

If  he  risked  escaping  from  the  camp  now,  he  could 
not  fail  to  be  seen  and  stopped.  Prudence  commanded 
him  to  curb  his  impatience  and,  as  he  glanced  around, 
his  eyes  rested  on  the  chamberlain's  tent  from  which 
the  old  slave  had  just  emerged  to  look  for  his  master, 
who  was  still  waiting  in  the  prince's  tent  for  his  lord's 
return. 

The  old  man  had  treated  Ephraim  kindly,  and  now- 
asked  him  with  good-natured  urgency  to  come  in  and 
rest ;  for  the  youth  needed  sleep. 

And  Ephraim  accepted  the  well-meant  invitation. 
He  felt  for  the  first  time  how  weary  his  feet  were,  and 
he  had  scarcely  stretched  himself  upon  the  mat  which 
the  old  slave  —  it  was  his  own  —  spread  on  the  floor  of 
the  tent  for  him,  ere  the  feeling  came  over  him  that  his 
limbs  were  relaxing ;  and  yet  he  had  expected  to  find 
here  time  and  rest  for  calm  deliberation. 

He  began,  too,  to  think  of  the  future  and  his  uncle's 
commission. 

That  he  must  join  his  people  without  delay  was 
decided.  If  they  escaped  Pharaoh's  army,  the  others 


234  JOSHUA. 

could  do  what  they  pleased,  his  duty  was  to  summon  his 
shepherds,  servants,  and  the  youths  of  his  own  age,  and 
with  them  hurry  to  the  mines  to  break  Joshua's  chains 
and  bring  him  back  to  his  old  father  and  the  people 
who  needed  him.  He  already  saw  himself  with  a  sling 
in  his  girdle  and  a  battle-axe  in  his  hand,  rushing  on  in 
advance  of  the  others,  when  sleep  overpowered  him 
and  bound  the  sorely  wearied  youth  so  firmly  and 
sweetly  that  even  dreams  remained  aloof  from  his 
couch  and  when  morning  came  the  old  slave  was 
obliged  to  shake  him  to  rouse  him. 

The  camp  was  already  pervaded  with  bustling  life. 
Tents  were  struck,  asses  and  ox-carts  laden,  steeds 
curried  and  newly-shod,  chariots  washed,  weapons  and 
harnesses  cleaned,  breakfast  was  distributed  and  eaten. 

At  intervals  the  blare  of  trumpets  was  heard  in  one 
direction,  loudly  shouted  commands  in  another,  and 
from  the  eastern  portion  of  the  camp  echoed  the  chant- 
ing of  the  priests,  who  devoutly  greeted  the  new-born 
sun-god. 

A  gilded  chariot,  followed  by  a  similar  one,  drove 
up  to  the  costly  purple  tent  beside  Kasana's,  which 
active  servants  were  beginning  to  take  down. 

Prince  Siptah  and  the  chief-priest  Bai  had  received 
Pharaoh's  permission  to  set  off  for  Tanis,  to  fulfil  the 
wish  of  a  "  dying  woman." 

Soon  after  Ephraim  took  leave  of  the  old  slave  and 
bade  him  give  Kasana's  nurse  the  cloak  and  tell  her 
that  the  messenger  had  followed  her  advice  and  his 
uncle's. 

Then  he  set  off  on  his  walk. 

He  escaped  unchallenged  from  the  Egyptian  camp 
and,  as  he  entered  the  wilderness,  he  heard  the  shout 


JOSHUA.  235 

with  which  he  called  his  shepherds  in  the  pastures. 
The  cry,  resounding  far  over  the  plain,  startled  a  spar- 
row-hawk which  was  gazing  into  the  distance  from  a 
rock  and,  as  the  bird  soared  upward,  the  youth  fancied 
that  if  he  stretched  out  his  arms,  wings  must  unfold 
strong  enough  to  bear  him  also  through  the  air.  Never 
had  he  felt  so  light  and  active,  so  strong  and  free,  nay 
had  the  priest  at  this  hour  asked  him  the  question 
whether  he  would  accept  the  office  of  a  captain  of 
thousands  in  the  Egyptian  army,  he  would  undoubtedly 
have  answered,  as  he  did  before  the  ruined  house  of 
Nun,  that  his  sole  desire  was  to  remain  a  shepherd  and 
rule  his  flocks  and  servants. 

He  was  an  orphan,  but  he  had  a  nation,  and  where 
his  people  were  was  his  home. 

Like  a  wanderer,  who,  after  a  long  journey,  sees  his 
home  in  the  distance,  he  quickened  his  pace. 

He  had  reached  Tanis  on  the  night  of  the  new 
moon  and  the  round  silver  shield  which  was  paling  in 
the  morning  light  was  the  same  which  had  then  risen 
before  his  eyes.  Yet  it  seemed  as  though  years  lay 
between  his  farewell  of  Miriam  and  the  present  hour, 
and  the  experiences  of  a  life  had  been  compressed  into 
these  few  days. 

He  had  left  his  tribe  a  boy ;  he  returned  a  man  ;  yet, 
thanks  to  this  one  terrible  night,  he  had  remained  un- 
changed, he  could  look  those  whom  he  loved  and  rev- 
erenced fearlessly  in  the  face. 

Nay,  more! 

He  would  show  the  man  whom  he  most  esteemed 
that  he,  too,  Ephraim,  could  hold  his  head  high.  He 
would  repay  Joshua  for  what  lie  had  done,  when  he 


236  JOSHUA. 

remained  in  chains  and  captivity  that  he,  his  nephew, 
might  go  forth  as  free  as  a  bird. 

After  hurrying  onward  an  hour,  he  reached  a  ruined 
watch-tower,  climbed  to  its  summit,  and  saw,  at  a  short 
distance  beyond  the  mount  of  Baal-zephon,  which  had 
long  towered  majestically  on  the  horizon,  the  glitter- 
ing northern  point  of  the  Red  Sea. 

The  storm,  it  is  true,  had  subsided,  but  he  perceived 
by  the  surging  of  its  emerald  surface  that  the  sea  was 
by  no  means  calm,  and  single  black  clouds  in  the  sky, 
elsewhere  perfectly  clear,  seemed  to  indicate  an  ap- 
proaching tempest. 

He  gazed  around  him  asking  himself  what  the 
leader  of  the  people  probably  intended,  if — as  the 
prince  had  told  Kasana  —  they  had  encamped  between 
Pihahiroth  —  whose  huts  and  tents  rose  before  him  on 
the  narrow  gulf  the  northwestern  arm  of  the  Red  Sea 
thrust  into  the  land  —  and  the  mount  of  Baal-zephon. 

Had  Siptah  lied  in  this  too  ? 

No.  This  time  the  malicious  traitor  had  departed 
from  his  usual  custom;  for  between  the  sea  and  the 
village,  where  the  wind  was  blowing  slender  columns 
of  smoke  asunder,  his  falcon-eye  discovered  many 
light  spots  resembling  a  distant  flock  of  sheep,  and 
among  and  beside  them  a  singular  movement  to  and 
fro  upon  the  sands. 

It  was  the  camp  of  his  people. 

How  short  seemed  the  distance  that  separated  him 
from  them ! 

Yet  the  nearer  it  was,  the  greater  became  his 
anxiety  lest  the  great  multitude,  with  the  women  and 
children,  herds  and  tents,  could  not  escape  the  vast 
army  which  must  overtake  them  in  a  few  hours. 


JOSHUA  237 

His  heart  shrank  as  he  gazed  around  him;  for 
neither  to  the  east,  where  a  deeper  estuary  was  surg- 
ing, nor  southward,  where  the  Red  Sea  tossed  its 
angry  waves,  nor  even  toward  the  north,  whence 
Pharaoh's  army  was  marching,  was  escape  possible. 
To  the  west  lay  the  wilderness  of  Aean,  and  if  the 
wanderers  escaped  in  that  direction,  and  were  pressed 
farther,  they  would  again  enter  Egyptian  soil  and  the 
exodus  would  be  utterly  defeated. 

So  there  was  nothing  left  save  to  risk  a  battle,  and 
at  the  thought  a  chill  ran  through  the  youth's  veins ; 
for  he  knew  how  badly  armed,  untrained,  savage,  un- 
manageable, and  cowardly  were  the  men  of  his  race, 
and  had  witnessed  the  march  of  the  powerful,  well- 
equipped  Egyptian  army,  with  its  numerous  foot- 
soldiers  and  superb  war-chariots. 

To  him  now,  as  to  his  uncle  a  short  time  before, 
his  people  seemed  doomed  to  certain  destruction,  un- 
less succored  by  the  God  of  his  fathers.  In  former 
years,  and  just  before  his  departure,  Miriam,  with  spark- 
ling eyes  and  enthusiastic  words,  had  praised  the  power 
and  majesty  of  this  omnipotent  Lord,  who  preferred 
his  people  above  all  other  nations;  but  the  lofty  words 
of  the  prophetess  had  filled  his  childish  heart  with  a 
slight  fear  of  the  unapproachable  greatness  and  terrible 
wrath  of  this  God. 

It  had  been  easier  for  him  to  uplift  his  soul  to  the 
sun-god,  when  his  teacher,  a  kind  and  merry-hearted 
Egyptian  priest,  led  him  to  the  temple  of  Pithom.  In 
later  years  he  had  felt  no  necessity  of  appealing  to  any 
god ;  for  he  lacked  nothing,  and  while  other  boys 
obeyed  their  parents'  commands,  the  shepherds,  who 
well  knew  that  the  flocks  they  tended  belonged  to  him, 


238  JOSHUA. 

called  him  their  young  master,  and  first  in  jest,  then  in 
earnest,  paid  him  all  the  honor  due  a  ruler,  which 
prematurely  increased  his  self-importance  and  made 
him  an  obstinate  fellow. 

He  whom  stalwart,  strong  men  obeyed,  was  sufficient 
unto  himself,  and  felt  that  others  needed  him  and,  as 
nothing  was  more  difficult  for  him  than  to  ask  a  favor, 
great  or  small,  from  any  one,  he  rebelled  against 
praying  to  a  God  so  far  oft'  and  high  above  him. 

But  now,  when  his  heart  was  oppressed  by  the  ter- 
rible destiny  that  threatened  his  people,  he  was  over- 
whelmed by  the  feeling  that  only  the  Greatest  and 
Mightiest  could  deliver  them  from  this  terrible,  un- 
speakable peril,  as  if  no  one  could  withstand  this 
powerful  army,  save  He  whose  might  could  destroy 
heaven  and  earth. 

What  were  they  that  the  Most  High,  whom  Miriam 
and  Hosea  described  as  so  pre-eminently  great,  should 
care  for  them  ?  Yet  his  people  numbered  many 
thousands,  and  God  had  not  disdained  to  make  them 
His,  and  promise  great  things  for  them  in  the  future. 
Now  they  were  on  the  verge  of  destruction,  and  he, 
Ephraim,  who  came  from  the  camp  of  the  enemy,  was 
perhaps  the  sole  person  who  saw  the  full  extent  of  the 
danger. 

Suddenly  he  was  filled  with  the  conviction  that  it 
was  incumbent  upon  him,  above  all  others,  to  tell  the 
God  of  his  fathers,  —  who  perhaps  in  caring  for  earth 
and  heaven,  sun  and  stars,  had  forgotten  the  fate  of  His 
people  —  of  the  terrible  danger  impending,  and  beseech 
Him  to  save  them.  He  was  still  standing  on  the  top  of 
the  ruined  tower,  and  raised  his  arms  and  face  toward 
heaven. 


JOSHUA.  239 

In  the  north  he  saw  the  black  clouds  which  he  had 
noticed  in  the  blue  sky  swiftly  massing  and  rolling 
hither  and  thither.  The  wind,  which  had  subsided 
after  sunrise,  was  increasing  in  strength  and  power,  and 
rapidly  becoming  a  storm.  It  swept  across  the  isthmus 
in  gusts,  which  followed  one  another  more  and  more 
swiftly,  driving  before  them  dense  clouds  of  yellow 
sand. 

He  must  lift  up  his  voice  loudly,  that  the  God  to 
whom  he  prayed  might  hear  him  in  His  lofty  heaven, 
so,  with  all  the  strength  of  his  young  lungs,  he  shouted 
into  the  storm : 

"Adonai,  Adona'i!  Thou,  whom  they  call  Jehovah, 
mighty  God  of  my  fathers,  hear  me,  Ephraim,  a  young 
inexperienced  lad,  of  whom,  in  his  insignificance,  Thou 
hast  probably  never  thought.  I  ask  nothing  for  myself. 
But  the  people,  whom  Thou  dost  call  Thine,  are  in  sore 
peril.  They  have  left  durable  houses  and  good  pastures 
because  Thou  didst  promise  them  a  better  and  more 
beautiful  land,  and  they  trusted  in  Thee  and  Thy  prom- 
ises. But  now  the  army  of  Pharaoh  is  approaching,  so 
great  a  host  that  our  people  will  never  be  able  to  resist 
it.  Thou  must  believe  this,  Eli,  my  Lord.  I  have  seen 
it  and  been  in  its  midst.  So  surely  as  I  stand  here,  I 
know  that  it  is  too  mighty  for  Thy  people.  Pharaoh's 
power  will  crush  them  as  the  hoofs  of  the  cattle  trample 
the  grain  on  the  threshing-floor.  And  my  people,  who 
are  also  Thine,  are  encamped  in  a  spot  where  Pharaoh's 
warriors  can  cut  them  down  from  all  directions,  so  that 
there  is  no  way  for  them  to  fly,  not  one.  I  saw  it  dis- 
tinctly from  this  very  spot.  Hear  me  now,  Adonai. 
But  canst  Thou  hear  my  words,  oh  Lord,  in  such  a 
tempest  ?  Surely  Thou  canst ;  for  they  call  Thee  on> 


240  JOSHUA. 

nipotent  and,  if  Thou  dost  hear  me  and  dost  understand 
the  meaning  of  my  words,  Thou  wilt  see  with  Thy 
mighty  eyes,  if  such  is  Thy  will,  that  I  speak  the  truth. 
Then  Thou  wilt  surely  remember  the  vow  Thou  didst 
make  to  the  people  through  Thy  servant  Moses. 

"  Among  the  Egyptians,  I  have  witnessed  treachery 
and  murder  and  shameful  wiles ;  their  deeds  have  filled 
me,  who  am  myself  but  a  sinful,  inexperienced  youth, 
with  horror  and  indignation.  How  couldst  Thou, 
from  whom  all  good  is  said  to  proceed,  and  whom 
Miriam  calls  truth  itself,  act  like  those  abominable  men 
and  break  faith  with  those  who  trusted  in  Thee  ?  I  know, 
Thou  great  and  mighty  One,  that  this  is  far  from  Thee, 
nay,  perhaps  it  is  a  sin  even  to  cherish  such  a  thought. 
Hear  me,  Adonai !  Look  northward  at  the  troops  of 
the  Egyptians,  who  will  surely  soon  leave  their  camp 
and  march  forward,  and  southward  to  the  peril  of  Thy 
people,  for  whom  escape  is  no  longer  possible,  and 
Thou  wilt  rescue  them  by  Thy  omnipotence  and  great 
wisdom ;  for  Thou  hast  promised  them  a  new  country, 
and  if  they  are  destroyed,  how  can  they  reach  it  ?" 

With  these  words  he  finished  his  prayer,  which, 
though  boyish  and  incoherent,  gushed  from  the  inmost 
depths  of  his  heart.  Then  he  sprang  with  long  leaps 
from  the  ruined  tower  to  the  barren  plain  at  his  feet, 
and  ran  southward  as  fleetly  as  if  he  were  escaping 
from  captivity  a  second  time.  He  felt  how  the  wind 
rushing  from  the  north-east  urged  him  forward,  and 
told  himself  that  it  would  also  hasten  the  march  of 
Pharaoh's  soldiers.  Perhaps  the  leaders  of  his  people 
did  not  yet  know  how  vast  was  the  military  power  that 
threatened  them,  and  undervalued  the  danger  in  which 
their  position  placed  them.  But  he  saw  it,  and  could 


JOSHUA.  241 

give  them  every  information.  Haste  was  necessary, 
and  he  felt  as  though  he  had  gained  wings  in  this  race 
with  the  storm. 

The  village  of  Pihahiroth  was  soon  gained,  and 
while  dashing  by  it  without  pausing,  he  noticed  that  its 
huts  and  tents  were  deserted  by  men  and  cattle.  Per- 
haps its  inhabitants  had  fled  with  their  property  to  a 
place  of  safety  before  the  advancing  Egyptian  troops 
or  the  hosts  of  his  own  people. 

The  farther  he  went,  the  more  cloudy  became  the 
sky, — which  here  so  rarely  failed  to  show  a  sunny  vault 
of  blue  at  noonday, —  the  more  fiercely  howled  the  tem- 
pest. His  thick  locks  fluttered  wildly  around  his 
burning  head,  he  panted  for  breath,  yet  flew  on,  on, 
while  his  sandals  seemed  to  him  to  scarcely  touch  the 
ground. 

The  nearer  he  came  to  the  sea,  the  louder  grew  the 
howling  and  whistling  of  the  storm,  the  more  furious 
the  roar  of  the  waves  dashing  against  the  rocks  of  Baal- 
zephon.  Now  —  a  short  hour  after  he  had  left  the 
tower  —  he  reached  the  first  tents  of  the  camp,  and  the 
familiar  cry :  "  Unclean ! "  as  well  as  the  mourning- 
robes  of  those  whose  scaly,  disfigured  faces  looked 
forth  from  the  ruins  of  the  tents  which  the  storm  had 
overthrown,  informed  him  that  he  had  reached  the 
lepers,  whom  Moses  had  commanded  to  remain  outside 
the  camp. 

Yet  so  great  was  his  haste  that,  instead  of  making 
a  circuit  around  their  quarter,  he  dashed  straight  through 
it  at  his  utmost  speed.  Nor  did  he  pause  even  when  a 
lofty  palm,  uprooted  by  the  tempest,  fell  to  the  ground 
so  close  beside  him  that  the  fan-shaped  leaves  in  its 
crown  brushed  his  face. 


242  JOSHUA. 

At  last  he  gained  the  tents  and  pinfolds  of  his  people, 
not  a  few  of  which  had  also  been  overthrown,  and 
asked  the  first  acquaintances  he  met  for  Nun,  the  father 
of  his  dead  mother  and  of  Joshua. 

He  had  gone  down  to  the  shore  with  Moses  and 
other  elders  of  the  people.  Ephraim  followed  him 
there,  and  the  damp,  salt  sea-air  refreshed  him  and 
cooled  his  brow. 

Yet  he  could  not  instantly  get  speech  with  him,  so 
he  collected  his  thoughts,  and  recovered  his  breath, 
while  watching  the  men  whom  he  sought  talking  eagerly 
with  some  gaily-clad  Phoenician  sailors.  A  youth  like 
Ephraim  might  not  venture  to  interrupt  the  grey-haired 
heads  of  the  people  in  the  discussion,  which  evidently 
referred  to  the  sea;  for  the  Hebrews  constantly  pointed 
to  the  end  of  the  bay,  and  the  Phoenicians  sometimes 
thither,  sometimes  to  the  mountain  and  the  sky,  some- 
times to  the  north,  the  center  of  the  still  increasing 
tempest. 

A  projecting  wall  sheltered  the  old  men  from  the 
hurricane,  yet  they  found  it  difficult  to  stand  erect,  even 
while  supported  by  their  staves  and  clinging  to  the 
stones  of  the  masonry. 

At  last  the  conversation  ended  and  while  the  youth 
saw  the  gigantic  figure  of  Moses  go  with  slow,  yet 
firm  steps  among  the  leaders  of  the  Hebrews  down  to 
the  shore  of  the  sea,  Nun,  supported  by  one  of  his 
shepherds,  was  working  his  way  with  difficulty,  but  as 
rapidly  as  possible  toward  the  camp.  He  wore  a 
mourning-robe,  and  while  the  others  looked  joyous  and 
hopeful  when  they  parted,  his  handsome  face,  framed 
by  its  snow-white  beard  and  hair,  had  the  expression  of 
one  whose  mind  and  body  were  burdened  by  grief. 


JOSHUA.  243 

Not  until  Ephraim  called  him  did  he  raise  his  droop- 
ing leonine  head,  and  when  he  saw  him  he  started 
back  in  surprise  and  terror,  and  clung  more  firmly  to 
the  strong  arm  of  the  shepherd  who  supported  him. 

Tidings  of  the  cruel  fate  of  his  son  and  grandson 
had  reached  him  through  the  freed  slaves  he  had  left  in 
Tanis ;  and  the  old  man  had  torn  his  garments,  strewed 
ashes  on  his  head,  donned  mourning  robes,  and  grieved 
bitterly  for  his  beloved,  noble,  only  son  and  promising 
grandson. 

Now  Ephraim  was  standing  before  him ;  and  after 
Nun  had  laid  his  hand  on  his  shoulders,  and  kissed  him 
again  and  again,  he  asked  if  his  son  was  still  alive  and 
remembered  him  and  his  people. 

As  soon  as  the  youth  had  joyfully  assured  him  that 
such  was  the  case,  Nun  threw  his  arms  around  the 
boy's  shoulders,  that  henceforth  his  own  blood,  instead 
of  a  stranger,  should  protect  him  from  the  violence  of 
the  storm. 

He  had  grave  and  urgent  duties  to  fulfil,  from  which 
nothing  might  withhold  him.  Yet  as  the  fiery  youth 
shouted  into  his  ear,  through  the  roar  of  the  hurri- 
cane, on  their  way  through  the  camp,  that  he  would 
summon  his  shepherds  and  the  companions  of  his  own 
age  to  release  Hosea,  who  now  called  himself  Joshua, 
old  Nun's  impetuous  spirit  awoke  and,  clasping  Eph- 
raim closer  to  his  heart,  he  cried  out  that  though  an  old 
man  he  was  not  yet  too  aged  to  swing  an 'axe  and  go 
with  Ephraim's  youthful  band  to  liberate  his  son.  His 
eyes  sparkled  through  his  tears,  and  waving  his  free 
arm  aloft,  he  cried  : 

"  The  God  of  my  fathers,  on  whom  I  learned  to 
rely,  watches  over  His  faithful  people.  Do  you  see  the 


244  JOSHUA. 

sand,  sea-weed,  and  shells  yonder  at  the  end  of  the 
estuary  ?  An  hour  ago  the  place  was  covered  with  water, 
and  roaring  waves  were  dashing  their  white  spray  up- 
ward. That  is  the  way,  boy,  which  promises  escape  ;  if 
the  wind  holds,  the  water  —  so  the  experienced  Phoe- 
nicians assure  us  —  will  recede  still  farther  toward  the 
sea.  Their  god  of  the  north  wind,  they  say,  is  favorable 
to  us,  and  their  boys  are  already  lighting  a  fire  to  him 
on  the  summit  of  Baal-zephon  yonder,  but  we  know 
that  it  is  Another,  Who  is  opening  to  us  a  path  to  the 
desert.  We  were  in  evil  case,  my  boy !" 

"  Yes,  grandfather  I"  cried  the  youth.  "  You  were 
trapped  like  lions  in  the  snare,  and  the  Egyptian  host 
—  it  passed  me  from  the  first  man  to  the  last  —  is 
mighty  and  unconquerable.  I  hurried  as  fast  as  my 
feet  could  carry  me  to  tell  you  how  many  heavily-armed 
troops,  bowmen,  steeds,  and  chariots.  .  .  ." 

"  We  know,  we  know,"  the  old  man  interrupted, 
"  but  here  we  are." 

He  pointed  to  an  overturned  tent  which  his  servants 
were  trying  to  prop,  and  beside  which  an  aged  Hebrew, 
his  father  Elishama,  wrapped  in  cloth,  sat  in  the  chair  in 
which  he  was  carried  by  bearers. 

Nun  hastily  shouted  a  few  words  and  led  Ephraim 
toward  him.  But  while  the  youth  was  embracing  his 
great-grandfather,  who  hugged  and  caressed  him,  Nun, 
with  youthful  vivacity,  was  issuing  orders  to  the  shep- 
herds and  servants  : 

"  Let  the  tent  fall,  men  !  The  storm  has  begun  the 
work  for  you  !  Wrap  the  covering  round  the  poles, 
load  the  carts  and  beasts  of  burden.  Move  briskly, 
You,  Gaddi,  Shamma.  and  Jacob,  join  the  others  !  The 
hour  for  departure  has  come  !  Everybody  must  hasten  to 


JOSHUA.  245 

harness  the  animals,  put  them  in  the  wagons,  and  prepare 
all  things  as  fast  as  possible.  The  Almighty  shows  us 
the  way,  and  every  one  must  hasten,  in  His  name  and  by 
the  command  of  Moses.  Keep  strictly  to  the  old  order. 
We  head  the  procession,  then  come  the  other  tribes, 
lastly  the  strangers  and  leprous  men  and  women.  Re- 
joice, oh,  ye  people ;  for  our  God  is  working  a  great 
miracle  and  making  the  sea  dry  land  for  us,  His  chosen 
people.  Let  everyone  thank  Him  while  working,  and 
pray  from  the  depths  of  the  heart  that  He  will  continue 
to  protect  us.  Let  all  who  do  not  desire  to  be  slain  by 
the  sword  and  crushed  by  the  weight  of  Pharaoh's 
chariots  put  forth  their  best  strength  and  forget  rest ! 
That  will  await  us  as  soon  as  we  have  escaped  the  pres- 
ent peril.  Down  with  the  tent-cover  yonder ;  I'll  roll  it 
up  myself.  Lay  hold,  boy !  Look  across  at  the  children  of 
Manasseh,  they  are  already  packing  and  loading.  That's 
right,  Ephraim,  you  know  how  to  use  your  hands ! 
What  more  have  we  to  do  !  My  head,  my  forgetful 
old  head !  So  much  has  come  upon  me  at  once ! 
You  have  nimble  feet,  Raphu ;  —  I  undertook  to  warn 
the  strangers  to  prepare  for  a  speedy  departure.  Run 
quickly  and  hurry  them,  that  they  may  not  linger  too 
far  behind  the  people.  Time  is  precious  !  Lord,  Lord, 
my  God,  extend  Thy  protecting  hand  over  Thy  people, 
and  roll  the  waves  still  farther  back  with  the  tempest, 
Thy  mighty  breath  !  Let  every  one  pray  silently  while 
working,  the  Omnipresent  One,  Who  sees  the  heart,  will 
hear  it.  That  load  is  too  heavy  for  you,  Ephraim,  you 
are  lifting  beyond  your  strength.  No.  The  youth  has 
mastered  it.  Follow  his  example,  men,  and  ye  of 
Succoth,  rejoice  in  your  master's  strength." 

The  last  words  were  addressed  to  Ephraim's  shep- 
17 


246  JOSHUA. 

herds,  men  and  maid  servants,  most  of  whom  shouted 
a  greeting  to  him  in  the  midst  of  their  work,  kissed  his 
arm  or  hand,  and  rejoiced  at  his  return.  They  were 
engaged  in  packing  and  wrapping  their  goods,  and  in 
gathering,  harnessing,  and  loading  the  animals,  which 
could  only  be  kept  together  by  blows  and  shouts. 

The  people  from  Succoth  wished  to  vie  with  their 
young  master,  those  from  Tanis  with  their  lord's  grand- 
son, and  the  other  owners  of  flocks  and  lesser  men  of 
the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  whose  tents  surrounded  that  of 
their  chief  Nun,  did  the  same,  in  order  not  to  be  sur- 
passed by  others ;  yet  several  hours  elapsed  ere  all  the 
tents,  household  utensils,  and  provisions  for  man  and 
beast  were  again  in  their  places  on  the  animals  and  in 
the  carts,  and  the  aged,  feeble  and  sick  had  been  laid 
on  litters  or  in  wagons. 

Sometimes  the  gale  bore  from  the  distance  to  the 
spot  where  the  Ephraimites  were  busily  working  the 
sound  of  Moses'  deep  voice  or  the  higher  tones  of 
Aaron.  But  neither  they  nor  the  men  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah  heeded  the  monition ;  for  the  latter  were  ruled 
by  Hur  and  Naashon,  and  beside  the  former  stood  his 
newly-wedded  wife  Miriam.  It  was  different  with  the 
other  tribes  and  the  strangers,  to  the  obstinacy  and 
cowardice  of  whose  chiefs  was  due  the  present  critical 
position  of  the  people. 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

To  break  through  the  center  of  the  Etham  line  of 
fortifications   and  march  toward   the  north-east  along 


JOSHUA.  247 

the  nearest  road  leading  to  Palestine  had  proved  im- 
possible ;  but  Moses'  second  plan  of  leading  the  people 
around  the  Migdol  of  the  South  had  also  been  baffled ; 
for  spies  had  reported  that  the  garrison  of  the  latter 
had  been  greatly  strengthened.  Then  the  multitude 
had  pressed  around  the  man  of  God,  declaring  that 
they  would  rather  return  home  with  their  families  and 
appeal  to  Pharaoh's  mercy  than  to  let  themselves,  their 
wives,  and  their  families  be  slaughtered. 

Several  days  had  been  spent  in  detaining  them ;  but 
when  other  messengers  brought  tidings  that  Pharaoh 
was  approaching  with  a  powerful  army  the  time  seemed 
to  have  come  when  the  wanderers,  in  the  utmost  peril, 
might  be  forced  to  break  through  the  forts,  and  Moses 
exerted  the  full  might  of  his  commanding  personality, 
Aaron  the  whole  power  of  his  seductive  eloquence, 
while  old  Nun  and  Hur  essayed  to  kindle  the  others 
with  their  own  bold  spirit. 

But  the  terrible  news  had  robbed  the  majority  of 
the  last  vestige  of  self  reliance  and  trust  in  God,  and 
they  had  already  resolved  to  assure  Pharaoh  of  their 
repentance  when  the  messengers  whom,  without  their 
leader's  knowledge,  they  had  sent  forth,  returned,  an- 
nouncing that  the  approaching  army  had  been  com- 
manded to  spare  no  Hebrew,  and  to  show  by  the  sharp 
edge  of  the  sword,  even  to  those  who  sued  for  mercy, 
how  Pharaoh  punished  the  men  by  whose  shameful 
sorcery  misery  and  woe  had  come  upon  so  many 
Egyptians. 

Then,  too  late,  they  became  aware  that  to  return 
would  ensure  more  speedy  destruction  than  to  boldly 
press  forward.  But  when  the  men  capable  of  bearing 
arms  followed  Hur  and  Nun  to  the  Migdol  of  the 


248  JOSHUA. 

South,  they  turned  to  fly  at  the  defiant  blare  of  the 
Egyptian  war  trumpets.  When  they  came  back  to  the 
camp  with  weary  limbs,  depressed  and  disheartened, 
new  and  exaggerated  reports  of  Pharaoh's  military 
force  had  reached  the  people,  and  now  terror  and 
despair  had  taken  possession  of  the  bolder  men. 
Every  admonition  was  vain,  every  threat  derided,  and 
the  rebellious  people  had  forced  their  leaders  to  go 
with  them  till,  after  a  short  march,  they  reached  the 
Red  Sea,  whose  deep  green  waves  had  forced  them  to 
pause  in  their  southward  flight. 

So  they  had  encamped  between  Pihahiroth  and 
Baal-zephon,  and  here  the  leaders  again  succeeded  in 
turning  the  attention  of  the  despairing  people  to  the 
God  of  their  fathers. 

In  the  presence  of  sure  destruction,  from  which  no 
human  power  could  save  them,  they  had  again  learned 
to  raise  their  eyes  to  Heaven;  but  Moses'  soul  had 
once  more  been  thrilled  with  anxiety  and  compassion 
for  the  poor,  sorely  afflicted  bands  who  had  followed 
his  summons.  During  the  night  preceding,  he  had 
climbed  one  of  the  lower  peaks  of  Baal-zephon  and, 
amid  the  raging  of  the  tempest  and  the  roar  of  the  hiss- 
ing surges,  sought  the  Lord  his  God,  and  felt  his  pres- 
ence near  him.  He,  too,  had  not  wearied  of  pleading  the 
need  of  his  people  and  adjuring  him  to  save  them. 

At  the  same  hour  Miriam,  the  wife  of  Hur,  had 
gone  to  the  sea-shore  where,  under  a  solitary  palm- 
tree,  she  addressed  the  same  petition  to  her  God, 
whose  trusted  servant  she  still  felt  herself.  Here  she 
besought  Him  to  remember  the  women  and  children 
who,  trusting  in  Him,  had  wandered  forth  into  distant 
lands.  She  had  also  knelt  to  pray  for  the  friend  of  her 


JOSHUA.  249 

youth,  languishing  in  terrible  captivity;  but  had  only 
cried  in  low,  timid  accents :  "  Oh,  Lord,  do  not  forget 
the  hapless  Hosea,  whom  at  Thy  bidding  I  called 
Joshua,  though  he  showed  himself  less  obedient  to  Thy 
will  than  Moses,  my  brother,  and  Hur,  my  husband. 
Remember  also  the  youthful  Ephraim,  the  grandson  of 
Nun,  Thy  faithful  servant." 

Then  she  returned  to  the  tent  of  the  chief,  her 
husband,  while  many  a  lowly  man  and  poor  anxious 
woman,  before  their  rude  tents  or  on  their  thin,  tear- 
drenched  mats,  uplifted  their  terrified  souls  to  the  God 
of  their  fathers  and  besought  His  care  for  those  who 
were  dearest  to  their  hearts. 

So,  in  this  night  of  utmost  need,  the  camp  had  be- 
come a  temple  in  which  high  and  low,  the  heads  of 
families  and  the  housewives,  masters  and  slaves,  nay, 
even  the  afflicted  lepers  sought  and  found  their  God. 

At  last  the  morning  came  on  which  Ephraim  had 
shouted  his  childish  prayer  amid  the  roaring  of  the 
storm,  and  the  waters  of  the  sea  had  begun  to  Recede. 

When  the  Hebrews  beheld  with  their  own  eyes  the 
miracle  that  the  Most  High  was  working  for  His  chosen 
people,  even  the  discouraged  and  despairing  became 
believing  and  hopeful. 

Not  only  the  Ephraimites,  but  the  other  tribes,  the 
foreigners,  and  lepers  felt  the  influence  of  the  newly- 
awakened  joyous  confidence,  which  urged  each  indi- 
vidual to  put  forth  all  his  powers  to  prepare  for  the 
journey  and,  for  the  first  time,  the  multitude  gathered 
and  formed  into  ranks  without  strife,  bickering,  deeds 
of  violence,  curses,  and  tears. 

After  sunset  Moses,  holding  his  staff  uplifted,  and 


250'  JOSHUA.. 

Aaron,  singing  and  praying,  entered  at  the  head  of  the 
procession  the  end  of  the  bay. 

The  storm,  which  continued  to  rage  with  the  same 
violence,  had  swept  the  water  out  of  it  and  blew  the 
flame  and  smoke  of  the  torches  carried  by  the  tribes 
toward  the  south-west. 

The  chief  leaders,  on  whom  all  eyes  rested  with 
trusting  eagerness,  were  followed  by  old  Nun  and  the 
Ephraimites.  The  bottom  of  the  sea  on  which  they 
trod  was  firm,  moist  sand,  on  which  even  the  herds 
could  walk  as  if  it  were  a  smooth  road,  sloping  gently 
toward  the  sea. 

Ephraim,  in  whom  the  elders  now  saw  the  future 
chief,  had  been  entrusted,  at  his 'grandfather's  sugges- 
tion, with  the  duty  of  seeing  that  the  procession  did 
not  stop  and,  for  this  purpose,  had  been  given  a 
leader's  staff;  for  the  fishermen  whose  huts  stood  at 
the  foot  of  Baal-zephon,  like  the  Phoenicians,  believed 
that  when  the  moon  reached  her  zenith  the  sea  would 
return  to  its  old  bed,  and  therefore  all  delay  was  to  be 
avoided. 

The  youth  enjoyed  the  storm,  and  when  his  locks 
fluttered  and  he  battled  victoriously  against  the  gale 
in  rushing  hither  and  thither,  as  his  office  required,  it 
seemed  to  him  a  foretaste  of  the  venture  he  had  in 
view. 

So  the  procession  moved  on  through  the  darkness 
which  had  speedily  followed  the  dusk  of  evening.  The 
acrid  odor  of  the  sea-weed  and  fishes  which  had  been 
left  stranded  pleased  the  boy, —  who  felt  that  he  had 
matured  into  manhood, — better  than  the  sweet  fragrance 
of  spikenard  in  Kasana's  tent.  Once  the  memory  of  it 
flashed  through  his  brain,  but  with  that  exception  there 


JOSHUA.  251 

was  not  a  moment  during  these  hours  which  gave  him 
time  to  think  of  her. 

He  had  his  hands  full  of  work ;  sometimes  a  heap 
of  sea-weed  flung  on  the  path  by  a  wave  must  be 
removed;  sometimes  a  ram,  the  leader  of  a  flock,  refused 
to  step  on  the  wet  sand  and  must  be  dragged  forward 
by  the  horns,  or  cattle  and  beasts  of  burden  must  be 
driven  through  a  pool  of  water  from  which  they  shrank. 

Often,  too,  he  was  obliged  to  brace  his  shoulder 
against  a  heavily-laden  cart,  whose  wheels  had  sunk 
too  deeply  into  the  soft  sand ;  and  when,  even  during 
this  strange,  momentous  march,  two  bands  of  shep- 
herds began  to  dispute  about  precedence  close  to  the 
Egyptian  shore,  he  quickly  settled  the  dispute  by 
making  them  draw  lots  to  decide  which  party  should 
go  first. 

Two  little  girls  who,  crying  bitterly,  refused  to 
wade  through  a  pool  of  water,  while  their  mother  was 
busy  with  the  infant  in  her  arms,  he  carried  with 
prompt  decision  through  the  shallow  puddle,  and  the 
cart  with  a  broken  wheel  he  had  moved  aside  by  the 
light  of  the  torches  and  commanded  some  stalwart 
bondmen,  who  were  carrying  only  small  bundles,  to  load 
themselves  with  the  sacks  and  bales,  nay,  even  the  frag- 
ments of  the  vehicle.  He  uttered  a  word  of  cheer  to 
weeping  women  and  children  and,  when  the  light  of  a 
torch  fell  upon  the  face  of  a  companion  of  his  own  age, 
whose  aid  he  hoped  to  obtain  for  the  release  of  Joshua, 
he  briefly  told  him  that  there  was  a  bold  adventure  in 
prospect  which  he  meant  to  dare  in  concert  with  him. 

The  torch-bearers  who  usually  headed  the  procession 
this  time  were  obliged  to  close  its  ranks,  for  the  storm 
raging  from  the  northeast  would  have  blown  the  smoke 


252  JOSHUA. 

into  the  people's  faces.  They  stood  on  the  Egyptian 
shore,  and  already  the  whole  train  had  passed  them 
except  the  lepers  who,  following  the  strangers,  were  the 
last  of  the  whole  multitude. 

These  "  strangers  "  were  a  motley  crew,  comprising 
Asiatics  of  Semitic  blood,  who  had  escaped  from  the 
bondage  or  severe  punishments  which  the  Egyptian 
law  imposed,  traders  who  expected  to  find  among  the 
wanderers  purchasers  of  their  wares,  or  Shasu  shep- 
herds, whose  return  was  prohibited  by  the  officials  on 
the  frontier.  Ephraim  had  much  trouble  with  them, 
for  they  refused  to  leave  the  firm  land  until  the  lepers 
had  been  forced  to  keep  farther  away  from  them ;  y.'-it 
the  youth,  with  the  aid  of  the  elders  of  the  tribe  of 
Benjamin,  who  preceded  them,  brought  them  also  to 
obedience  by  threatening  them  with  the  prediction  of 
the  Phoenicians  and  the  fishermen  that  the  moon, 
when  it  had  passed  its  zenith,  would  draw  the  sea  back 
to  its  old  bed. 

Finally  he  persuaded  the  leader  of  the  lepers,  who 
had  once  been  an  Egyptian  priest,  to  keep  at  least  half 
the  distance  demanded. 

Meanwhile  the  tempest  had  continued  to  blow  with 
increased  violence,  and  its  howling  and  whistling, 
blended  with  the  roar  of  the  dashing  waves  and  the 
menacing  thunder  of  the  surf,  drowned  the  elders' 
shouts  of  command,  the  terrified  shrieks  of  the  chil- 
dren, the  lowing  and  bleating  of  the  trembling  herds, 
and  the  whining  of  the  dogs.  Ephraim's  voice  could 
be  heard  only  by  those  nearest  and,  moreover,  many 
of  the  torches  were  extinguished,  while  others  were 
kept  burning  with  the  utmost  difficulty.  Seeking  to 
recover  his  wind  and  get  a  little  rest,  he  walked  slowly 


.  JOSHUA.  253 

for  a  time  over  the  damp  sand  behind  the  last  lepers, 
when  he  heard  some  one  call  his  name  and,  turning,  he 
saw  one  of  his  former  playmates,  who  was  returning 
from  a  reconnoitring  expedition  and  who,  with  the  sweat 
pouring  from  his  brow  and  panting  breath,  shouted  into 
the  ear  of  the  youth,  in  whose  hand  he  saw  the  staff  of 
a  leader,  that  Pharaoh's  chariots  were  approaching  at 
the  head  of  his  army.  He  had  left  them  at  Pihahiroth 
and,  if  they  did  not  stop  there  to  give  the  other  troops 
time  to  join  them,  they  might  overtake  the  fugitives  at 
any  moment.  With  these  words  he  darted  past  the 
lepers  to  join  the  leaders;  but  Ephraim  stopped  in  the 
middle  of  the  road,  pressing  his  hand  upon  his  brow, 
while  a  new  burden  of  care  weighed  heavily  upon  his 
soul. 

He  knew  that  the  approaching  army  would  crush 
the  men,  women,  and  children  whose  touching  fear 
and  helplessness  he  had  just  beheld,  as  a  man's  foot 
tramples  on  an  ant-hill,  and  again  every  instinct  of  his 
being  urged  him  to  pray,  while  from  his  oppressed 
heart  the  imploring  cry  rose  through  the  darkness : 

"  Eli,  Eli,  great  God  most  high  !  Thou  knowest  — 
for  I  have  told  Thee,  and  Thine  all-seeing  eye  must 
perceive  it,  spite  of  the  darkness  of  this  night  —  the 
strait  of  Thy  people,  whom  Thou  hast  promised  to  lead 
into  a  new  country.  Remember  Thy  vow,  Jehovah ! 
Be  merciful  unto  us,  Thou  great  and  mighty  one !  Our 
foe  is  approaching  with  resistless  power !  Stay  him ! 
Save  us !  Protect  the  poor  women  and  children ! 
Save  us,  be  merciful  to  us  !" 

During  this  prayer  he  had  raised  his  eyes  heaven- 
ward and  saw  on  the  summit  of  Baal-zephon  the  red 
blaze  of  a  fire.  It  had  been  lighted  by  the  Phoenicians 


254  JOSHUA. 

to  make  the  Baal  of  the  north-wind  favorable  to  the 
men  of  kindred  race  and  hostile  to  the  hated  Egyptians. 

This  was  a  kindly  deed;  but  he  put  his  trust  in 
another  God  and,  as  his  eye  glanced  over  the  vault  of 
heaven  and  noted  the  grey  and  black  storrn-clouds 
scurrying,  gathering,  parting,  and  then  rushing  in  new 
directions,  he  perceived  between  two  dispersing  masses 
of  clouds  the  silvery  light  of  the  full  moon,  which  had 
now  attained  her  zenith. 

Fresh  anxiety  assailed  him  ;  for  he  remembered  the 
prediction  of  men  skilled  in  the  changes  of  winds  and 
waves.  If  the  sea  should  now  return  to  its  ancient  bed, 
his  people  would  be  lost ;  for  there  was  no  escape, 
even  toward  the  north,  where  deep  pools  of  water  were 
standing  amid  the  mire  and  cliffs.  Should  the  waves 
flow  back  within  the  next  hour,  the  seed  of  Abraham 
would  be  effaced  from  the  earth,  as  writing  inscribed 
on  wax  disappears  from  the  tablet  under  the  pressure 
of  a  warm  hand. 

Yet  was  not  this  people  thus  marked  for  destruc- 
tion, the  nation  which  the  Lord  had  chosen  for  His 
own  ?  Could  He  deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  those  who 
were  also  His  own  foes  ? 

No,  no,  a  thousand  times  no ! 

And  the  moon,  which  was  to  cause  this  destruction, 
had  but  a  short  time  before  been  the  ally  of  his  flight 
and  favored  him.  Only  let  him  keep  up  his  hope  and 
faith  and  not  lose  confidence. 

Nothing,  nothing  was  lost  as  yet. 

Come  what  might,  the  whole  nation  need  not 
perish,  and  his  own  tribe,  which  marched  at  the  head  of 
the  procession,  certainly  would  not;  for  many  must 
have  reached  the  opposite  shore,  nay,  perhaps  more 


JOSHUA.  255 

than  he  supposed ;  for  the  bay  was  not  wide,  and  even 
the  lepers,  the  last  of  the  train,  had  already  advanced 
some  distance  across  the  wet  sand. 

Ephraim  now  remained  alone  behind  them  all  to 
listen  to  the  approach  of  the  hostile  chariots.  He  laid 
his  ear  to  the  ground  on  the  shore  of  the  bay,  and  he 
could  trust  to  the  sharpness  of  his  hearing ;  how  often, 
in  this  attitude,  he  had  caught  the  distant  tramp  of 
stray  cattle  or,  while  hunting,  the  approach  of  a  herd 
of  antelopes  or  gazelles. 

As  the  last,  he  was  in  the  greatest  danger;  but 
what  cared  he  for  that  ? 

How  gladly  he  would  have  sacrificed  his  young  life 
to  save  the  others ! 

Since  he  had  held  in  his  hand  the  leader's  staff,  it 
seemed  to  him  as  if  he  had  assumed  the  duty  of  watch- 
ing over  his  people,  so  he  listened  and  listened  till  he 
could  hear  a  slight  trembling  of  the  ground  and  finally 
a  low  rumble.  That  was  the  foe,  that  must  be  Pha- 
raoh's chariots,  and  how  swiftly  the  proud  steeds 
whirled  them  forward. 

Springing  up  as  if  a  lash  had  struck  him,  he  dashed 
on  to  urge  the  others  to  hasten. 

How  oppressively  sultry  the  air  had  grown,  spite  of 
the  raging  storm  which  extinguished  so  many  torches  ! 
The  moon  was  concealed  by  clouds,  but  the  flickering 
fire  on  the  summit  of  the  lofty  height  of  Baal-zephon 
blazed  brighter  and  brighter.  The  sparks  that  rose 
from  the  midst  of  the  flames  glittered  as  they  swept 
westward ;  for  the  wind  now  came  more  from  the 
east. 

Scarcely  had  he  noticed  this,  when  he  hurried  back 
to  the  boys  bearing  pans  of  pitch  who  closed  the  pro- 


256  JOSHUA. 

cession,  to  command  them  in  the  utmost  haste  to  fill 
the  copper  vessels  afresh  and  see  that  the  smoke  rose  in 
dense,  heavy  clouds  ;  for,  he  said  to  himself,  the  storm 
will  drive  the  smoke  into  the  faces  of  the  stallions  who 
draw  the  chariots  and  frighten  or  stop  them. 

No  means  seemed  to  him  too  insignificant,  every 
moment  that  could  be  gained  was  precious ;  and  as  soon 
as  he  had  convinced  himself  that  the  smoke-clouds 
were  pouring  densely  from  the  vessels  and  making  it 
difficult  to  breathe  the  air  of  the  path  over  which  the 
people  had  passed,  he  hurried  forward,  shouting  to 
the  elders  whom  he  overtook  that  Pharaoh's  chariots 
were  close  at  hand  and  the  march  must  be  hastened. 
At  once  pedestrians,  bearers,  drivers,  and  shepherds 
exerted  all  their  strength  to  advance  faster;  and  though 
the  wind,  which  blew  more  and  more  from  the  east, 
impeded  their  progress,  all  struggled  stoutly  against  it, 
and  dread  of  their  approaching  pursuers  doubled  their 
strength. 

The  youth  seemed  to  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  who 
nodded  approval  wherever  he  appeared,  like  a  shep- 
herd dog  guarding  and  urging  the  flock;  and  when  he 
had  slipped  through  the  moving  bands  and  battled  his 
way  forward  against  the  storm,  the  east  wind  bore  to  his 
ears  as  if  in  reward  a  strange  shout ;  for  the  nearer  he 
came  to  its  source,  the  louder  it  rang,  and  the  more 
surely  he  perceived  that  it  was  a  cry  of  joy  and  exulta- 
tion, the  first  that  had  burst  from  a  Hebrew's  breast  for 
many  a  long  day. 

It  refreshed  Ephraim  like  a  cool  drink  after  long 
thirsting,  and  he  could  not  refrain  from  shouting  aloud 
and  crying  joyously  to  the  others  :  "  Saved,  saved  !" 

Two  tribes  had  already  reached  the  eastern  shore 


JOSHUA.  257 

of  the  bay  and  were  raising  the  glad  shouts  which,  with 
the  fires  blazing  in  huge  pans  on  the  shore,  kindled  the 
courage  of  the  approaching  fugitives  and  braced  their 
failing  strength.  Ephraim  saw  by  their  light  the 
majestic  figure  of  Moses  on  a  hill  by  the  sea,  extending 
his  staff  over  the  waters,  and  the  spectacle  impressed 
him,  like  all  the  other  fugitives,  from  the  highest  to  the 
lowest,  more  deeply  than  aught  else  and  strongly  in- 
creased the  courage  of  his  heart.  This  man  was 
indeed  the  trusted  servant  of  the  Most  High,  and  so 
long  as  he  held  his  staff  uplifted,  the  waves  seemed 
spell-bound,  and  through  him  God  forbade  their  re- 
turn. 

He,  Ephraim,  need  no  longer  appeal  to  the  Omni- 
potent One  —  that  was  the  appointed  task  of  this  great 
and  exalted  personage ;  but  he  must  continue  to  fulfil 
his  little  duty  of  watching  the  progress  of  indivi- 
duals. 

Back  against  the  stream  of  fugitives  to  the  lepers 
and  torch-bearers  he  hastened,  shouting  to  each  division, 
"  Saved  !  Saved  !  They  have  gained  the  goal.  Moses' 
staff  is  staying  the  waves.  Many  have  already  reached 
the  shore.  Thank  the  Lord  !  Forward,  that  you,  too, 
may  join  in  the  rejoicing  !  Fix  your  eyes  on  the  two 
red  beacons  !  The  rescued  ones  lighted  them  !  The 
servant  of  the  Lord  is  standing  between  them  with  up- 
lifted staff." 

Then,  kneeling  on  the  wet  sand,  he  again  pressed 
his  ear  to  the  ground,  and  now  heard  distinctly,  close 
at  hand,  the  rattle  of  wheels  and  the  swift  beat  of 
horses'  hoofs. 

But  while  still  listening,  the  noise  gradually  ceased, 
and  he  heard  nothing  save  the  howling  of  the  furious 


258  JOSHUA. 

storm  and  the  threatening  dash  of  the  surging  waves, 
or  a  single  cry  borne  by  the  east  wind. 

The  chariots  had  reached  the  dry  portion  of  the 
bay  and  lingered  some  time  ere  they  continued  their 
way  along  this  dangerous  path ;  but  suddenly  the 
Egyptian  war-cry  rang  out,  and  the  rattle  of  wheels 
was  again  heard.  They  advanced  more  slowly  than 
before  —  but  faster  than  the  people  could  walk. 

For  the  Egyptians  also  the  road  remained  dry  ;  but 
if  his  people  only  kept  a  short  distance  in  advance  he 
need  feel  no  anxiety ;  during  the  night  the  rescued 
tribes  could  disperse  among  the  mountains  and  hide 
in  places  where  no  chariots  nor  horses  could  follow. 
Moses  knew  this  region  where  he  had  lived  so  long  as 
a  fugitive ;  it  was  only  necessary  to  inform  him  of  the 
close  vicinity  of  the  foe.  So  he  trusted  one  of  his 
play-fellows  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  with  the  message, 
and  the  latter  had  not  far  to  go  to  reach  the  shore. 
He  himself  remained  behind  to  watch  the  approaching 
army ;  for  already,  without  stooping  or  listening,  spite 
of  the  storm  raging  around  him,  he  heard  the  rattle  of 
wheels  and  the  neighing  of  the  horses.  But  the  lepers, 
whose  ears  also  caught  the  sound,  wrailed  and  lamented, 
feeling  themselves  in  imagination  flung  to  the  ground, 
crushed  by  the  chariots,  or  crowded  into  a  watery 
grave,  for  the  pathway  had  grown  narrower  and  the 
sea  seemed  to  be  trying  in  earnest  to  regain  the  land  it 
had  lost. 

The  men  and  cattle  could  no  longer  advance  in 
ranks  as  wide  as  before,  and  while  the  files  of  the 
hurrying  bodies  narrowed  they  lengthened,  and  pre- 
cious time  was  lost.  Those  on  the  right  were  already 
wading  through  the  rising  water  in  haste  and  terror ; 


JOSHUA.  259 

for  already  the  commands  of  the  Egyptian  leaders  were 
heard  in  the  distance. 

But  the  enemy  was  evidently  delayed,  and  Ephraim 
easily  perceived  the  cause  of  their  diminished  speed  ; 
for  the  road  constantly  grew  softer  and  the  narrow 
wheels  of  the  chariots  cut  deeply  into  it  and  perhaps 
sank  to  the  axles. 

Protected  by  the  darkness,  he  glided  forward  toward 
the  pursuers,  as  far  as  he  could,  and  heard  here  a  curse, 
yonder  a  fierce  command  to  ply  the  lash  more  vigor- 
ously ;  at  last  he  distinctly  heard  one  leader  exclaim  to 
the  man  next  him  : 

"  Accursed  folly  !  If  they  had  only  let  us  start 
before  noon,  and  not  waited  until  the  omen  had  been 
consulted  and  Anna  had  been  installed  with  all  due 
solemnity  in  Ba'i's  place,  it  would  have  been  easy  work, 
and  we  should  have  caught  them  like  a  flock  of  quail ! 
The  chief-priest  was  wont  to  bear  himself  stoutly  in  the 
field,  and  now  he  gives  up  the  command  because  a 
dying  woman  touches  his  heart." 

"  Siptah's  mother  !"  said  another  soothingly.  "  Yet, 
after  all,  twenty  princesses  ought  not  to  have  turned 
him  from  his  duty  to  us.  Had  he  remained,  there 
would  have  been  no  need  of  scourging  our  steeds  to 
death,  and  that  at  an  hour  when  every  sensible  leader 
lets  his  men  gather  round  the  camp-fires  to  eat  their 
suppers  and  play  draughts.  Look  to  the  horses,  Heter ! 
We  are  fast  in  the  sand  again  !" 

A  loud  out-cry  rose  behind  the  first  chariot,  and 
Ephraim  heard  another  voice  shout : 

"  Forward,  if  it  costs  the  horses  their  lives  !" 

"  If  return  were  possible,"  said  the  commander  of 
the  chariot-soldiers,  a  relative  of  the  king,  "  I  would  go 


260  JOSHUA. 

back  now.  But  as  matters  are,  one  would  tumble  over 
the  other.  So  forward,  whatever  it  may  cost.  We  are 
close  on  their  heels.  Halt !  Halt !  That  accursed 
stinging  smoke !  Wait,  you  dogs !  As  soon  as  the 
pathway  widens,  we'll  run  you  down  with  scant  cere- 
mony, and  may  the  gods  deprive  me  of  a  day  of  life 
for  each  one  I  spare  !  Another  torch  out !  One  can't 
see  one's  hand  before  one's  face  !  At  a  time  like  this  a 
beggar's  crutch  would  be  better  than  a  leader's  staff." 

"  And  an  executioner's  noose  round  the  neck  rather 
than  a  gold  chain  !"  said  another  with  a  fierce  oath. 
"  If  the  moon  would  only  appear  again  !  Because  the 
astrologers  predicted  that  it  would  shine  in  full 
splendor  from  evening  till  morning,  I  myself  advised 
the  late  departure,  turning  night  into  day.  If  it  were 
only  lighter  !...." 

But  this  sentence  remained  unfinished,  for  a  gust  of 
wind,  bursting  like  a  wild  beast  from  the  south-eastern 
ravine  of  Mount  Baal-zephon,  rushed  upon  the  fugitives, 
and  a  high  wave  drenched  Ephraim  from  head  to 
foot. 

Gasping  for  breath,  he  flung  back  his  hair  and 
wiped  his  eyes ;  but  loud  cries  of  terror  rang  from  the 
lips  of  the  Egyptians  behind  him;  for  the  same  wave 
that  struck  the  youth  had  hurled  the  foremost  chariots 
into  the  sea. 

Ephraim  began  to  fear  for  his  people  and,  while 
running  forward  to  join  them  again,  a  brilliant  flash  of 
lightning  illumined  the  bay,  Mount  Baal-zephon,  and 
every  surrounding  object.  The  thunder  was  somewhat 
long  in  following,  but  the  storm  soon  came  nearer,  and 
at  last  the  lightning  no  longer  flashed  through  the 
darkness  in  zigzag  lines,  but  in  shapeless  sheets  of 


JOSHUA.  261 

flame,  and  ere  they  faded  the  deafening  crash  of  the 
thunder  pealed  forth,  reverberating  in  wild  uproar  amid 
the  hard,  rocky  precipices  of  the  rugged  mountain,  and 
dying  away  in  deep,  muttering  echoes  along  the  end 
of  the  bay  and  the  shore. 

Whenever  the  clouds,  menacing  destruction,  dis- 
charged their  lightnings,  sea  and  land,  human  beings 
and  animals,  far  and  near,  were  illumined  by  the  brilliant 
glare,  while  the  waters  and  the  sky  above  were  tinged 
with  a  sulphurous  yellow  hue  through  which  the  vivid 
lightning  shone  and  flamed  as  through  a  wall  of  yellow 
glass. 

Ephraim  now  thought  he  perceived  that  the  blackest 
thunder-clouds  came  from  the  south  and  not  from  the 
north,  but  the  glare  of  the  lightning  showed  behind 
him  a  span  of  frightened  horses  rushing  into  the  sea, 
one  chariot  shattered  against  another,  and  farther  on 
several  jammed  firmly  together  to  the  destruction  of 
their  occupants,  while  they  barred  the  progress  of 
others. 

Yet  the  foe  still  advanced,  and  the  space  which 
separated  pursued  and  pursuers  did  not  increase.  But 
the  confusion  among  the  latter  had  become  so  great 
that  the  warriors'  cries  of  terror  and  their  leaders' 
shouts  of  encouragement  and  menace  were  distinctly 
heard  whenever  the  fierce  crashing  of  the  thunder  died 
away. 

Yet,  black  as  were  the  clouds  on  the  southern 
horizon,  fiercely  as  the  tempest  raged,  the  gloomy  sky 
still  withheld  its  floods  and  the  fugitives  were  wet,  not 
with  the  water  from  the  clouds  but  by  the  waves  of  the 
sea,  whose  surges  constantly  dashed  higher  and  more 
and  more  frequently  washed  the  dry  bed  of  the  bay. 
18 


262  JOSHUA. 

Narrower  and  narrower  grew  the  pathway,  and 
with  it  the  end  of  the  procession. 

Meanwhile  the  flames  blazing  in  the  pitch  pans 
continued  to  show  the  terrified  fugitives  the  goal  of 
escape  and  remind  them  of  Moses  and  the  staff  God 
had  given  him.  Every  step  brought  them  nearer  to  it. 

Now  a  loud  shout  of  joy  announced  that  the  tribe  of 
Benjamin  had  also  reached  the  shore;  but  they  had  at 
last  been  obliged  to  wade,  and  were  drenched  by  the 
foaming  surf.  It  had  cost  unspeakable  effort  to  save 
the  oxen  from  the  surging  waves,  get  the  loaded  carts 
forward,  and  keep  the  cattle  together;  but  now  man 
and  beast  stood  safe  on  shore.  Only  the  strangers 
and  the  lepers  were  still  to  be  rescued.  The  latter 
possessed  no  herds  of  their  own,  but  the  former  had 
many  and  both  sheep  and  cattle  were  so  terrified  by 
the  storm  that  they  struggled  against  passing  through 
the  water,  now  a  foot  deep  over  the  road.  Ephraim 
hurried  to  the  shore,  called  on  the  shepherds  to  follow 
him  and,  under  his  direction,  they  helped  drive  the 
herds  forward. 

The  attempt  was  successful  and,  amid  the  thunder 
and  lightning,  greeted  with  loud  cheers,  the  last  man 
and  the  last  head  of  cattle  reached  the  land. 

The  lepers  were  obliged  to  wade  through  water 
rising  to  their  knees  and  at  last  to  their  waists  and,  ere 
they  had  gained  the  shore,  the  sluices  of  heaven  opened 
and  the  rain  poured  in  torrents.  Yet  they,  too,  arrived 
at  the  goal  and  though  many  a  mother  who  had  earned 
her  child  a  long  time  in  her  arms  or  on  her  shoulder, 
fell  upon  her  knees  exhausted  on  the  land,  and  many 
a  hapless  sufferer  who,  aided  by  a  stronger  companion 
in  misery,  had  dragged  the  carts  through  the  yielding 


JOSHUA.  263 

sand  or  wading  in  the  water  carried  a  litter,  felt  his 
disfigured  head  burn  with  fever,  they,  too,  escaped 
destruction. 

They  were  to  wait  beyond  the  palm-trees,  whose 
green  foliage  appeared  on  the  hilly  ground  at  the  edge 
of  some  springs  near  the  shore;  the  others  were  to  be 
led  farther  into  the  country  to  begin,  at  a  given  signal, 
the  journey  toward  the  southeast  into  the  mountains, 
through  whose  inhospitable  stony  fastnesses  a  regular 
army  and  the  war-chariots  could  advance  only  with  the 
utmost  difficulty. 

Hur  had  assembled  his  shepherds  and  they  stood 
armed  with  lances,  slings,  and  short  swords,  ready  to 
attack  the  enemy  who  ventured  to  step  on  shore. 
Horses  and  men  were  to  be  cut  down  and  a  high  wall 
was  to  be  made  of  the  fragments  of  the  chariots  to  bar 
the  way  of  the  pursuing  Egyptians. 

The  pans  of  burning  pitch  on  the  shore  were 
shielded  and  fed  so  industriously  that  neither  the 
pouring  rain  nor  the  wind  extinguished  them.  They 
were  to  light  the  shepherds  who  had  undertaken  to  at- 
tack the  chariot-soldiers,  and  were  commanded  by  old 
Nun,  Hur,  and  Ephraim. 

But  they  waited  in  vain  for  the  pursuers,  and  when 
the  youth,  first  of  all,  perceived  by  the  light  of  the 
torches  that  the  way  by  which  the  rescued  fugitives 
had  come  was  now  a  wide  sea,  and  the  smoke  was 
blown  toward  the  north  instead  of  toward  the  south- 
west—  it  was  at  the  time  of  the  first  morning  watch  — 
his  heart,  surcharged  with  joy  and  gratitude,  sent  forth 
the  jubilant  shout :  "  Look  at  the  pans.  The  wind  has 
shifted !  It  is  driving  the  sea  northward.  Pharaoh's 
army  has  been  swallowed  by  the  waves !" 


264  JOSHUA. 

The  group  of  rescued  Hebrews  remained  silent  for 
a  short  time;  but  suddenly  Nun's  loud  voice  ex- 
claimed : 

"He  has  seen  aright,  children!  What  are  we 
mortals !  Lord,  Lord !  Stern  and  terrible  art  Thou  in 
judgment  upon  Thy  foes!" 

Here  loud  cries  interrupted  him;  for  at  the  springs 
where  Moses  leaned  exhausted  against  a  palm-tree, 
and  Aaron  was  resting  with  many  others,  the  people 
had  also  perceived  what  Ephraim  had  noticed  —  and 
from  lip  to  lip  ran  the  glad,  terrible,  incredible,  yet  true 
tidings,  which  each  passing  moment  more  surely  con- 
firmed. 

Many  an  eye  was  raised  toward  the  sky,  across 
which  the  black  clouds  were  rushing  farther  and 
farther  northward. 

The  rain  was  ceasing;  instead  of  the  lightning  and 
thunder  only  a  few  pale  flashes  were  seen  over  the 
isthmus  and  the  distant  sea  at  the  north,  while  in  the 
south  the  sky  was  brightening. 

At  last  the  setting  moon  emerged  from  the  grey 
clouds,  and  her  peaceful  light  silvered  the  heights  of 
Baal-zephon  and  the  shore  of  the  bay,  whose  bottom 
was  once  more  covered  with  tossing  waves. 

The  raging,  howling  storm  had  passed  into  the  low 
sighing  of  the  morning  breeze,  and  the  sea,  which  had 
dashed  against  the  rocks  like  a  roaring  wild-beast,  now 
lay  quivering  with  broken  strength  at  the  stone  base  of 
the  mountain. 

For  a  short  time  the  sea  still  spread  a  dark  pall 
over  the  many  Egyptian  corpses,  but  the  paling 
moon,  ere  her  setting,  splendidly  embellished  the 
briny  resting-place  of  a  king  and  his  nobles ;  for  her 


JOSHUA.  265 

rays  illumined  and  bordered  their  coverlet,  the  sea, 
with  a  rich  array  of  sparkling  diamonds  in  a  silver 
setting. 

While  the  east  was  brightening  and  the  sky  had 
clothed  itself  in  the  glowing  hues  of  dawn,  the  camp 
had  been  pitched ;  but  little  time  remained  for  a  hasty 
meal  for,  shortly  after  sunrise,  the  gong  had  summoned 
the  people  and,  as  soon  as  they  gathered  near  the 
springs,  Miriam  swung  her  timbrel,  shaking  the  bells 
and  striking  the  calf-skin  till  it  resounded  again.  As 
she  moved  lightly  forward,  the  women  and  maidens 
followed  her  in  the  rhythmic  step  of  the  dance;  but 
she  sang : 

"  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed 
gloriously  :  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into 
the  sea. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song,  and  he  is 
become  my  salvation :  he  is  my  God,  and  I  will  pre- 
pare him  an  habitation ;  my  father's  God,  and  I  will 
exalt  him. 

"  The  Lord  is  a  man  of  war :  the  Lord  is  his  name. 

"  Pharaoh's  chariots  and  his  host  hath  he  cast  into 
the  sea :  his  chosen  captains  also  are  drowned  in  the 
Red  Sea. 

"  The  depths  have  covered  them :  they  sank  into  the 
bottom  as  a  stone. 

"  Thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  is  become  glorious  in 
power :  thy  right  hand,  O  Lord,  hath  dashed  in  pieces 
the  enemy. 

"  And  in  the  greatness  of  thine  excellency  thou  hast 
overthrown  them  that  rose  up  against  thee  :  thou 
sentest  forth  thy  wrath,  which  consumed  them  as 
stubble. 


266  JOSHUA. 

"  And  with  the  blast  of  thy  nostrils  the  waters  were 
gathered  together,  the  floods  stood  upright  as  an  heap, 
and  the  depths  were  congealed  in  the  heart  of  the  sea. 

"  The  enemy  said,  I  will  pursue,  I  will  overtake,  I 
will  divide  the  spoil;  my  lust  shall  be  satisfied  upon 
them ;  I  will  draw  my  sword,  my  hand  shall  destroy 
them. 

"  Thou  didst  blow  with  thy  wind,  the  sea  covered 
them :  they  sank  as  lead  in  the  mighty  waters. 

"Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  gods  ? 
Who  is  like  thee,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises, 
doing  wonders  ? 

"Thou  stretchedst  out  thy  right  hand,  the  earth 
swallowed  them. 

"  Thou,  in  thy  mercy  hast  led  forth  the  people  which 
thou  hast  redeemed  :  thou  hast  guided  them  in  thy 
strength  unto  thy  holy  habitation." 

Men  and  women  joined  in  the  song,  when  she  re- 
peated the  words : 

"  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed 
gloriously  :  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into 
the  sea." 

This  song  and  this  hour  of  rejoicing  were  never  for- 
gotten by  the  Hebrews,  and  each  heart  was  filled  with 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  glad  and  grateful  anticipation 
of  better,  happier  days. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

THE  hymn  of  praise  had  died  away,  but  though  the 
storm  had  long  since  raged  itself  into  calmness,  the 


JOSHUA.  267 

morning  sky,  which  had  been  beautiful  in  the  rosy  flush 
of  dawn,  was  again  veiled  by  grey  mists,  and  a  strong 
wind  still  blew  from  the  southwest,  lashing  the  sea  and 
shaking  and  swaying  the  tops  of  the  palm-trees  beside 
the  springs. 

The  rescued  people  had  paid  due  honor  to  the 
Most  High,  even  the  most  indifferent  and  rebellious 
had  joined  in  Miriam's  song  of  praise ;  yet,  when  the 
ranks  of  the  dancers  approached  the  sea,  many  left  the 
procession  to  hurry  to  the  shore,  which  presented  many 
attractions. 

Hundreds  had  now  gathered  on  the  strand,  where 
the  waves,  like  generous  robbers,  washed  ashore  the 
booty  they  had  seized  during  the  night. 

Even  the  women  did  not  allow  the  wind  to  keep 
them  back ;  for  the  two  strongest  impulses  of  the 
human  heart,  avarice  and  the  longing  for  vengeance, 
drew  them  to  the  beach. 

Some  new  object  of  desire  appeared  every  moment; 
here  lay  the  corpse  of  a  warrior,  yonder  his  shattered 
chariot.  If  the  latter  had  belonged  to  a  man  of  rank, 
its  gold  or  silver  ornaments  were  torn  off,  while  the 
short  sword  or  battle-axe  was  drawn  from  the  girdle  of 
the  lifeless  owner,  and  men  and  women  of  low  degree, 
male  and  female  slaves  belonging  to  the  Hebrews  and 
foreigners,  robbed  the  corpses  of  the  clasps  and  circlets 
of  the  precious  metal,  or  twisted  the  rings  from  the 
swollen  fingers  of  the  drowned. 

The  ravens  which  had  followed  the  wandering 
tribes  and  vanished  during  the  storm,  again  appeared 
and,  croaking,  struggled  against  the  wind  to  maintain 
their  places  above  the  prey  whose  scent  had  attracted 
them. 


268  JOSHUA. 

But  the  dregs  of  the  fugitive  hordes  were  still  more 
greedy  than  they,  and  wherever  the  sea  washed  a  costly 
ornament  ashore,  there  were  fierce  outcries  and  angry 
quarrelling.  The  leaders  kept  aloof;  the  people,  they 
thought,  had  a  right  to  this  booty,  and  whenever  one 
of  them  undertook  to  control  their  rude  greed,  he 
received  no  obedience. 

The  pass  to  which  the  Egyptians  had  brought 
them  within  the  last  few  hours  had  been  so  terrible, 
that  even  the  better  natures  among  the  Hebrews  did 
not  think  of  curbing  the  thirst  for  vengeance.  Even 
grey-bearded  men  of  dignified  bearing,  and  wives  and 
mothers  whose  looks  augured  gentle  hearts  thrust  back 
the  few  hapless  foes  who  had  succeeded  in  reaching 
the  land  on  the  ruins  of  the  war-chariots  or  baggage- 
wagons.  With  shepherds'  crooks  and  travelling  staves, 
knives  and  axes,  stones  and  insults  they  forced  their 
hands  from  the  floating  wood,  and  the  few  who  never- 
theless reached  the  land  were  flung  by  the  furious  mob 
into  the  sea  which  had  taken  pity  on  them  in  vain. 

Their  wrath  was  so  great,  and  vengeance  so  sacred 
a  duty,  that  no  one  thought  of  the  respect,  the  pity,  the 
consideration,  which  are  misfortune's  due,  and  not  a 
word  was  uttered  to  appeal  to  generosity  or  compassion 
or  even  to  remind  the  people  of  the  profit  which  might 
be  derived  from  holding  the  rescued  soldiers  as  prisoners 
of  war. 

"  Death  to  our  mortal  foes !  Destruction  to  them  ! 
Down  with  them  !  Feed  the  fishes  with  them !  You 
drove  us  into  the  sea  with  our  children,  now  try  the 
salt  waves  yourselves !" 

Such  were  the  shouts  that  rose  everywhere,  and 
which  no  one  opposed,  not  even  Miriam  and  Kphraim, 


JOSHUA.  269 

who  had  also  gone  down  to  the  shore  to  witness  the 
scene  it  presented. 

The  maiden  had  become  the  wife  of  Hur,  but  her 
new  condition  had  made  little  change  in  her  nature  and 
conduct.  The  fate  of  her  people  and  the  intercourse 
with  God,  whose  prophetess  she  felt  herself  to  be,  were 
still  her  highest  aims.  Now  that  all  for  which  she 
had  hoped  and  prayed  was  fulfilled;  now  that  at  the 
first  great  triumph  of  her  efforts  she  had  expressed  the 
feelings  of  the  faithful  in  her  song,  she  felt  as  if  she  were 
the  leader  of  the  grateful  multitude  at  whose  head 
she  had  marched  singing  and  as  if  she  had  attained  the 
goal  of  her  life. 

Ephraim  had  reminded  her  of  Hosea  and,  while 
talking  with  him  about  the  prisoner,  she  moved  on  as 
proudly  as  a  queen,  answering  the  greetings  of  the 
throng  with  majestic  dignity.  Her  eyes  sparkled  with 
joy,  and  her  features  wore  an  expression  of  compassion 
only  at  brief  intervals,  when  the  youth  spoke  of  the 
greatest  sufferings  which  he  had  borne  with  his  uncle. 
She  doubtless  still  remembered  the  man  she  had  loved, 
but  he  was  no  longer  necessary  to  the  lofty  goal  of  her 
aspirations. 

Ephraim  had  just  spoken  of  the  beautiful  Egyptian, 
who  had  loved  Hosea  and  at  whose  intercession  the 
prisoner's  chains  had  been  removed,  when  loud  outcries 
were  heard  at  a  part  of  the  strand  where  many  of  the 
people  had  gathered.  Shouts  of  joy  mingled  with  yells 
of  fury;  and  awakened  the  conjecture  that  the  sea  had 
washed  some  specially  valuable  prize  ashore. 

Curiosity  drew  both  to  the  spot,  and  as  Miriam's 
stately  bearing  made  the  throng  move  respectfully 
aside,  they  soon  saw  the  mournful  contents  of  a  large 


270  JOSHUA. 

travelling-chariot,  which  had  lost  its  wheels.  The  linen 
canopy  which  had  protected  it  was  torn  away,  and 
on  the  floor  lay  two  elderly  Egyptian  women ;  a  third, 
who  was  much  younger,  leaned  against  the  back  of 
the  vehicle  thus  strangely  transformed  into  a  boat.  Her 
companions  lay  dead  in  the  water  which  had  covered 
its  floor,  and  several  Hebrew  women  were  in  the 
act  of  tearing  the  costly  gold  ornaments  from  the 
neck  and  arms  of  one  of  the  corpses.  Some  chance 
had  preserved  this  young  woman's  life,  and  she  was 
now  giving  her  ricli  jewels  to  the  Israelites.  Her 
pale  lips  and  slender,  half-frozen  hands  trembled  as 
she  did  so,  and  in  low,  musical  tones  she  promised 
the  robbers  to  yield  them  all  she  possessed  and  pay 
a  large  ransom,  if  they  would  spare  her.  She  was  so 
young,  and  she  had  shown  kindness  to  a  Hebrew  — 
surely  they  might  listen  to  her. 

It  was  a  touching  entreaty,  but  so  often  interrupted 
by  threats  and  curses  that  only  a  few  could  hear  it. 
Just  as  Ephraim  and  Miriam  reached  the  shore  she 
shrieked  aloud  —  a  rude  hand  had  torn  the  gold  serpent 
from  her  ear. 

The  cry  pierced  the  youth's  heart  like  a  dagger- 
thrust  and  his  cheeks  paled,  for  he  recognized  Kasana. 

The  bodies  beside  her  were  those  of  her  nurse  and 
the  wife  of  the  chief  priest  Ba'i. 

Scarcely  able  to  control  himself,  Ephraim  thrust 
aside  the  men  who  separated  him  from  the  object  of 
the  moment's  assault,  sprang  on  the  sand-hill  at  whose 
foot  the  chariot  had  rested,  and  shouted  with  glowing 
cheeks  in  wild  excitement : 

"  Back  !     Woe  to  any  one  who  touches  her !" 

But  a   Hebrew  woman,  the  wife  of  a  brickmaker 


JOSHUA.  271 

whose  child  had  died  in  terrible  convulsions  during  the 
passage  through  the  sea,  had  already  snatched  the 
dagger  from  her  girdle,  and  with  the  jeering  cry : 
"  This  for  my  little  Ruth,  you  jade !"  dealt  her  a  blow 
in  the  back.  Then  she  raised  the  tiny  blood-stained 
weapon  for  a  second  stroke ;  but  ere  she  could  give  her 
enemy  another  thrust,  Ephraim  flung  himself  between 
her  and  her- victim  and  wrenched  the  dagger  from  her 
grasp.  Then  planting  himself  before  the  wounded 
girl,  he  swung  the  blade  aloft  exclaiming  in  loud, 
threatening  tones : 

"  Whoever  touches  her,  you  robbers  and  murderers, 
shall  mingle  his  blood  with  this  woman's."  Then  he 
flung  himself  beside  Kasana's  bleeding  form,  and 
finding  that  she  had  lost  consciousness,  raised  her  in 
his  arms  and  carried  her  to  Miriam. 

The  astonished  plunderers  speechlessly  made  way 
for  a  few  minutes,  but  ere  he  reached  the  prophetess 
shouts  of:  "Vengeance!  Vengeance !"  were  heard  in 
all  directions.  "  We  found  the  woman :  the  booty 
belongs  to  us  alone!  —  How  dares  the  insolent 
Ephraimite  call  us  robbers  and  murderers  ?  —  Wherever 
Egyptian  blood  can  be  spilled,  it  must  flow !  • —  At 
him !  —  Snatch  the  girl  from  him !" 

The  youth  paid  no  heed  to  these  outbursts  of  wrath 
until  he  had  hid  Kasana's  head  in  the  lap  of  Miriam, 
who  had  seated  herself  on  the  nearest  sand-hill,  and  as 
the  angry  throng,  the  women  in  front  of  the  men, 
pressed  upon  him,  he  again  waved  his  dagger,  crying : 
"Back  —  I  command  you.  Let  all  of  the  blood  of 
Ephraim  and  Judah  rally  around  me  and  Miriam,  the 
wife  of  their  chief!  That's  right,  brothers,  and  woe 
betide  anv  hand  that  touches  her.  Do  vou  shriek  for 


272  JOSHUA. 

vengeance  ?  Has  it  not  been  yours  through  yonder 
monster  who  murdered  the  poor  defenceless  one  ?  Do 
you  want  your  victim's  jewels  ?  Well,  well ;  they  be- 
long to  you,  and  I  will  give  you  mine  to  boot,  if  you 
will  leave  the  wife  of  Hur  to  care  for  this  dying  girl !" 

With  these  words  he  bent  over  Kasana,  took  off  the 
clasps  and  rings  she  still  wore,  and  gave  them  to  the 
greedy  hands  outstretched  to  seize  them.  •  Lastly  he 
stripped  the  broad  gold  circlet  from  his  arm,  and 
holding  it  aloft  exclaimed  : 

"  Here  is  the  promised  payment.  If  you  will  depart 
quietly  and  leave  this  woman  to  Miriam,  I  will  give 
you  the  gold,  and  you  can  divide  it  among  you.  If 
you  thirst  for  more  blood,  come  on ;  but  I  will  keep 
the  armlet." 

These  words  did  not  fail  to  produce  their  effect. 
The  furious  women  looked  at  the  heavy  broad  gold 
armlet,  then  at  the  handsome  youth,  and  the  men  of 
Judah  and  Ephraim  who  had  gathered  around  him, 
and  finally  glanced  enquiringly  into  one  another's  faces. 
At  last  the  wife  of  a  foreign  trader  cried : 

"  Let  him  give  us  the  gold,  and  we'll  leave  the 
handseme  young  chief  his  bleeding  sweetheart." 

To  this  decision  the  others  agreed,  and  though  the 
brickmaker's  infuriated  wife,  who  thought  as  the  avenger 
of  her  child  she  had  done  an  act  pleasing  in  the  sight 
of  God,  and  was  upbraided  for  it  as  a  murderess,  re- 
viled the  youth  with  frantic  gestures,  she  was  dragged 
away  by  the  crowd  to  the  shore  where  they  hoped  to 
find  more  booty. 

During  this  threatening  transaction,  Miriam  had 
fearlessly  examined  Kasana's  wound  and  bound  it  up 
with  skilful  hands.  The  dagger  which  Prince  Siptah 


JOSHUA.  273 

bad  jestingly  given  the  beautiful  lady  of  his  love,  that 
she  might  not  go  to  war  defenceless,  had  inflicted  a 
deep  wound  under  the  shoulder,  and  the  blood  had 
flowed  so  abundantly  that  the  feeble  spark  of  life 
threatened  to  die  out  at  any  moment. 

But  she  still  lived,  and  in  this  condition  was  borne 
to  the  tent  of  Nun,  which  was  the  nearest  within 
reach. 

The  old  chief  had  just  been  supplying  weapons  to 
the  shepherds  and  youths  whom  Ephraim  had  sum- 
moned to  go  to  the  relief  of  the  imprisoned  Hosea, 
and  had  promised  to  join  them,  when  the  mournful 
procession  approached. 

As  Kasana  loved  the  handsome  old  man,  the  latter 
had  for  many  years  kept  a  place  in  his  heart  for  Captain 
Hornecht's  pretty  daughter. 

She  had  never  met  him  without  gladdening  him  by 
a  greeting  which  he  always  returned  with  kind  words, 
such  as :  "  The  Lord  bless  you,  child !"  or :  "  It  is  a 
delightful  hour  when  an  old  man  meets  so  fair  a  creature." 
Many  years  before  —  she  had  then  worn  the  curls  of 
childhood  —  he  had  even  sent  her  a  lamb,  whose  snowy 
fleece  was  specially  silky,  after  having  bartered  the 
corn  from  her  father's  lands  for  cattle  of  his  most 
famous  breed  —  and  what  his  son  had  told  him  of 
Kasana  had  been  well  fitted  to  increase  his  regard  for 
her. 

He  beheld  in  the  archer's  daughter  the  most 
charming  young  girl  in  Tanis  and,  had  she  been  the 
child  of  Hebrew  parents,  he  would  have  rejoiced  to  wed 
her  to  his  son. 

To  find  his  darling  in  such  a  state  caused  the  old 
man  grief  so  profound  that  bright  tears  ran  down  upon 


274  JOSHUA. 

liis  snowy  beard  and  his  voice  trembled  as,  while 
greeting  her,  he  saw  the  blood-stained  bandage  on  her 
shoulder. 

After  she  had  been  laid  on  his  couch,  and  Nun  had 
placed  his  own  chest  of  medicines  at  the  disposal  of 
the  skilful  prophetess,  Miriam  asked  the  men  to  leave 
her  alone  with  the  suffering  Egyptian,  and  when  she 
again  called  them  into  the  tent  she  had  revived  the 
strength  of  the  severely -wounded  girl  with  cordials, 
and  bandaged  the  hurt  more  carefully  than  had  been 
possible  before. 

Kasana,  cleansed  from  the  blood-stains  and  with 
her  hair  neatly  arranged,  lay  beneath  the  fresh  linen 
coverings  like  a  sleeping  child  just  on  the  verge  of 
maidenhood. 

She  was  still  breathing,  but  the  color  had  not  re- 
turned to  cheeks  or  lips,  and  she  did  not  open  her  eyes 
until  she  had  drunk  the  cordial  Miriam  mixed  for  her  a 
second  time. 

The  old  man  and  his  grandson  stood  at  the  foot  of 
her  couch,  and  each  would  fain  have  asked  the  other 
why  he  could  not  restrain  his  tears  whenever  he  looked 
at  this  stranger's  face. 

The  certainty  that  Kasana  was  wicked  and  faithless, 
which  had  so  unexpectedly  forced  itself  upon  Ephraim, 
had  suddenly  turned  his  heart  from  her  and  startled  him 
back  into  the  right  path  which  he  had  abandoned. 
Yet  what  he  had  heard  in  her  tent  had  remained  a 
profound  secret,  and  as  he  told  his  grandfather  and 
Miriam  that  she  had  compassionately  interceded  for  the 
prisoners,  and  both  had  desired  to  hear  more  of  her,  he 
had  felt  like  a  father  who  had  \vitnessed  the  crime  of  a 


JOSHUA.  275 

beloved  son,  and  no  word  of  the  abominable  things  he 
had  heard  had  escaped  his  lips. 

Now  he  rejoiced  that  he  had  kept  silence;  for  what- 
ever he  might  have  seen  and  heard,  this  fair  creature 
certainly  was  capable  of  no  base  deed. 

To  the  old  man  she  had  never  ceased  to  be  the 
lovely  child  whom  he  had  known,  the  apple  of  his  eye 
and  the  joy  of  his  heart.  So  he  gazed  with  tender 
anxiety  at  the  features  convulsed  by  pain  and,  when  she 
at  last  opened  her  eyes,  smiled  at  her  with  paternal 
affection.  Her  glance  showed  that  she  instantly  recog- 
nized both  him  and  Ephraim,  but  weakness  baffled  her 
attempt  to  nod  to  them.  Yet  her  expressive  face 
revealed  surprise  and  joy,  and  when  Miriam  had  given 
her  the  cordial  a  third  time  and  bathed  her  brow  with 
a  powerful  essence,  her  large  eyes  wandered  from  face 
to  face  and,  noticing  the  troubled  looks  of  the  men,  she 
managed  to  whisper : 

"  The  wound  aches  —  and  death  —  must  I  die  ?" 

One  looked  enquiringly  at  another,  and  the  men 
would  gladly  have  concealed  the  terrible  truth  ;  but  she 
went  on  : 

"  Oh,  let  me  know.  Ah,  I  pray  you,  tell  me  the 
truth !" 

Miriam,  who  was  kneeling  beside  her,  found  courage 
to  answer : 

"  Yes,  you  poor  young  creature,  the  wound  is  deep, 
but  whatever  my  skill  can  accomplish  shall  be  done  to 
preserve  your  life  as  long  as  possible." 

The  words  sounded  kind  and  full  of  compassion, 
yet  the  deep  voice  of  the  prophetess  seemed  to  hurt 
Kasana ;  for  her  lips  quivered  painfully  while  Miriam 


276  JOSHUA. 

was  speaking,  and  when  she  ceased,  her  eyes  closed  and 
one  large  tear  after  another  ran  down  her  cheeks. 

Deep,  anxious  silence  reigned  around  her  until  she 
again  raised  her  lashes  and,  fixing  her  eyes  wearily  on 
Miriam,  asked  softly,  as  if  perplexed  by  some  strange 
spectacle : 

"  You  are  a  woman,  and  yet  practise  the  art  of  the 
leech." 

"  My  God  has  commanded  me  to  care  for  the  suf- 
fering ones  of  our  people,"  replied  the  other. 

The  dying  girl's  eyes  began  to  glitter  with  a  restless 
light,  and  she  gasped  in  louder  tones,  nay  with  a  firm- 
ness that  surprised  the  others  : 

"  You  are  Miriam,  the  woman  who  sent  for  Hosea." 

And  when  the  other  answered  promptly  and  proudly : 
"  It  is  as  you  say  !",^C.asana  continued  : 

"  And  you  possess  striking,  imperious  beauty,  and 
much  influence.  He  obeyed  your  summons,  and  you — 
you  consented  to  wed  another  ?" 

Again  the  prophetess  answered,  this  time  with 
gloomy  earnestness  :  "  It  is  as  you  say." 

The  dying  girl  closed  her  eyes  once  more,  and  a 
strange  proud  smile  hovered  around  her  lips.  But  it  soon 
vanished  and  a  great  and  painful  restlessness  seized  upon 
her.  The  fingers  of  her  little  hands,  her  lips,  nay,  even 
her  eyelids  moved  perpetually,  and  her  smooth,  narrow 
forehead  contracted  as  if  some  great  thought  occupied 
her  mind. 

At  last  the  ideas  that_  troubled  her  found  utterance 
and,  as  if  roused  from  her  repose,  she  exclaimed  in 
terrified  accents  : 

"  You  are  Ephraim,  who  seemed  like  his  son,  and 
the  old  man  is  Nun,  his  dear  father.  There  you  stand 


JOSHUA.  277 

and  will  live  on  ....  But  I  —  I  ....  Oh,  it  is  so  hard 
to  leave  the  light  ....  Anubis  will  lead  me  before  the 
judgment  seat  of  Osiris.  My  heart  will  be  weighed, 
and  then  .  .  .  ." 

Here  she  shuddered  and  opened  and  closed  her 
trembling  hands ;  but  she  soon  regained  her  composure 
and  began  to  speak  again.  Miriam,  however,  sternly 
forbade  this,  because  it  would  hasten  her  death. 

Then  the  sufferer,  summoning  all  her  strength,  ex- 
claimed hastily,  as  loudly  as  her  voice  would  permit, 
after  measuring  the  prophetess'  tall  figure  with  a  long 
glance :  "  You  wish  to  prevent  me  from  doing  my 
duty  —  you  ?" 

There  had  been  a  slight  touch  of  mockery  in  the 
question ;  but  Kasana  doubtless  felt  that  it  was  neces- 
sary to  spare  her  strength  ;  for  she  continued  far  more 
quietly,  as  though  talking  to  herself : 

"  1  cannot  die  so,  I  cannot !  How  it  happened ; 
why  I  sacrficed  all,  all.  ...  I  must  atone  for  it;  I  will 
not  complain,  if  he  only  learns  how  it  came  to  pass. 
Oh,  Nun,  dear  old  Nun,  who  gave  me  the  lamb  when 
I  was  a  little  thing  —  I  loved  it  so  dearly  —  and  you, 
Ephraim,  my  dear  boy,  I  will  tell  you  everything." 

Here  a  painful  fit  of  coughing  interrupted  her;  but 
as  soon  as  she  recovered  her  breath,  she  turned  to 
Miriam,  and  called  in  a  tone  which  so  plainly  expressed 
bitter  dislike,  that  it  would  have  surprised  any  one  who 
knew  her  kindly  nature  : 

"  But  you,  yonder,  —  you  tall  woman  with  the  deep 
voice  who  are  a  physician,  you  lured  him  from  Tanis, 
from  his  soldiers  and  from  me.  He,  he  obeyed  your 
summons.  And  you  ....  you  became  another's  wife ; 
probably  after  his  arrival  ....  yes  !  For  when  Eph- 
19 


278  JOSHUA. 

raim  summoned  him,  he  called  you  a  maiden  ....  I 
don't  know  whether  this  caused  him,  Hosea,  pain  .... 
But  there  is  one  thing  I  do  know,  and  that  is  that  I 
want  to  confess  something  and  must  do  so,  ere  it  is  too 
late  ....  And  no  one  must  hear  it  save  those  who 
love  him,  and  I  —  do  you  hear  —  I  love  him,  love 
him  better  than  aught  else  on  earth  !  But  you  ?  You 
have  a  husband,  and  a  God  whose  commands  you 
eagerly  obey  —  you  say  so  yourself.  What  can  Hosea 
be  to  you  ?  So  I  beseech  you  to  leave  us.  I  have  met 
few  who  repelled  me,  but  you  —  your  voice,  your  eyes 
—  they  pierce  me  to  the  heart  —  and  if  you  were  near 
I  could  not  speak  as  I  must  ....  and  oh,  talking  hurts 
me  so  !  But  before  you  go  —  you  are  a  leech  —  let  me 
know  this  one  thing  —  I  have  many  messages  to  leave 
for  him  ere  I  die  ....  Will  it  kill  me  to  talk  ?" 

Again  the  prophetess  found  no  other  words  in 
answer  except  the  brief:  "  It  is  as  you  say,"  and  this 
time  they  sounded  harsh  and  ominous. 

While  wavering  between  the  duty  which,  as  a 
physician,  she  owed  the  sufferer  and  the  impulse  not  to 
refuse  the  request  of  a  dying  woman,  she  read  in  old 
Nun's  eyes  an  entreaty  to  obey  Kasana's  wish,  and 
with  drooping  head  left  the  tent.  But  the  bitter  words 
of  the  hapless  girl  pursued  her  and  spoiled  the  day 
which  had  begun  so  gloriously  and  also  many  a  later 
hour;  nay,  to  her  life's  end  she  could  not  understand 
why,  in  the  presence  of  this  poor,  dying  woman,  she 
had  been  overpowered  by  the  feeling  that  she  was  her 
inferior  and  must  take  a  secondary  place. 

As  soon  as  Kasana  was  left  alone  with  Nun  and 
Ephraim,  and  the  latter  had  flung  himself  on  his  knees 
beside  her  couch,  while  the  old  man  kissed  her  brow, 


JOSHUA.  279 

and  bowed  his  white  head  to  listen  to  her  low  words, 
she  began : 

"  I  feel  better  now.  That  tall  woman.  .  .  .  those 
gloomy  brows  that  meet  in  the  middle.  .  .  .  those  night- 
black  eyes.  .  .  .  they  glow  with  so  fierce  a  fire,  yet  are 
so  cold.  .  .  .  That  woman.  .  .  .  did  Hosea  love  her, 
father  ?  Tell  me;  I  am  not  asking  from  idle  curiosity !" 

"  He  honored  her,"  replied  the  old  man  in  a 
troubled  tone,  "  as  did  our  whole  nation ;  for  she  has  a 
lofty  spirit,  and  our  God  suffers  her  to  hear  His  voice; 
but  you,  my  darling,  have  been  dear  to  him  from  child- 
hood, I  know." 

A  slight  tremor  shook  the  dying  girl.  She  closed 
her  eyes  for  a  short  time  and  a  sunny  smile  hovered 
around  her  lips. 

She  lay  in  this  attitude  so  long  that  Nun  feared 
death  had  claimed  her  and,  holding  the  medicine  in 
his  hand,  listened  to  hear  her  breathing. 

Kasana  did  not  seem  to  notice  it ;  but  when  she 
finally  opened  her  eyes,  she  held  out  her  hand  for  the 
cordial,  drank  it,  and  then  began  again  : 

"  It  seemed  just  as  if  I  had  seen  him,  Hosea.  He 
wore  the  panoply  of  war  just  as  he  did  the  first  time  he 
took  me  into  his  arms.  I  was  a  little  thing  and  felt 
afraid  of  him,  he  looked  so  grave,  and  my  nurse  had 
told  me  that  he  had  slain  a  great  many  of  our  foes. 
Yet  I  was  glad  when  he  came  and  grieved  when  he 
went  away.  So  the  years  passed,  and  love  grew  with 
my  growth.  My  young  heart  was  so  full  of  him,  so 
full.  .  .  .  Even  when  they  forced  me  to  wed  another, 
and  after  I  had  become  a  widow." 

The  last  words  had  been  scarcely  audible,  and  she 
rested  some  time  ere  she  continued : 


280  JOSHUA. 

Hosea  knows  all  this,  except  how  anxious  I  was 
when  he  was  in  the  field,  and  how  I  longed  for  him 
ere  he  returned.  At  last,  at  last  he  came  home,  and 
how  I  rejoiced !  But  he,  Hosea.  .  .  .  ?  That  woman 
—  Ephraim  told  me  so  —  that  tall,  arrogant  woman 
summoned  him  to  Pithom.  But  he  returned,  and 
then.  .  .  .  Oh,  Nun,  your  son.  .  .  .  that  was  the  hard- 
est thing.  .  .  .  !  He  refused  my  hand,  which  my 
father  offered.  .  .  .  And  how  that  hurt  me.  .  .  .  !  I 
can  say  no  more.  .  .  .  !  Give  me  the  drink !" 

Her  cheeks  had  flushed  crimson  during  these  pain- 
ful confessions,  and  when  the  experienced  old  man 
perceived  how  rapidly  the  excitement  under  which  she 
was  laboring  hastened  the  approach  of  death,  he 
begged  her  to  keep  silence ;  but  she  insisted  upon 
profiting  by  the  time  still  allowed  her,  and  though  the 
sharp  pain  with  which  a  short  cough  tortured  her 
forced  her  to  press  her  hand  upon  her  breast,  she 
continued : 

"Then  hate  came;  but  it  did  not  last  long  —  and 
never  did  I  love  him  more  ardently  than  when  I  drove 
after  the  poor  convict  —  you  remember,  my  boy.  Then 
began  the  horrible,  wicked,  evil  time.  ...  of  which  I 
must  tell  him  that  he  may  not  despise  me,  if  he  hears 
about  it.  I  never  had  a  mother,  and  there  was  no  one 
to  warn  me.  .  .  .  Where  shall  I  begin  ?  Prince  Sip- 
tah  —  you  know  him,  father — that  wicked  man  will 
soon  rule  over  my  country.  My  father  is  in  a  con- 
spiracy with  him.  .  .  .  merciful  gods,  I  can  say  no 
more!" 

Terror  and  despair  convulsed  her  features  as  she 
uttered  these  words;  but  Ephraim  interrupted  her  and, 
with  tearful  eyes  and  faltering  voice,  confessed  that  he 


JOSHUA.  281 

knew  all.  Then  he  repeated  what  he  had  heard  while 
listening  outside  of  her  tent,  and  her  glance  confirmed 
the  tale. 

When  he  finally  spoke  of  the  wife  of  the  viceroy  and 
chief-priest  Bai,  whose  body  had  been  borne  to  the 
shore  with  her,  Kasana  interrupted  him  with  the  low 
exclamation : 

"  She  planned  it  all.  Her  husband  was  to  be  the 
greatest  man  in  the  country  and  rule  even  Pharaoh ; 
for  Siptah  is  not  the  son  of  a  king." 

"  And,"  the  old  man  interrupted,  to  quiet  her  and 
help  her  tell  what  she  desired  to  say,  "  as  Bai  raised, 
he  can  overthrow  him.  He  will  become,  even  more 
certainly  than  the  dethroned  monarch,  the  tool  of  the 
man  who  made  him  king.  But  I  know  Aarsu  the 
Syrian,  and  if  I  see  aright,  the  time  will  come  when  he 
will  himself  strive,  in  distracted  Egypt,  rent  by  internal 
disturbances,  for  the  power  which,  through  his  mer- 
cenaries, he  aided  others  to  grasp.  But  child,  what 
induced  you  to  follow  the  army  and  this  shameful 
profligate  ?" 

The  dying  girl's  eyes  sparkled,  for  the  question 
brought  her  directly  to  what  she  desired  to  tell,  and  she 
answered  as  loudly  and  quickly  as  her  weakness  per- 
mitted : 

"  I  did  it  for  your  son's  sake,  for  love  of  him,  to 
liberate  Hosea.  The  evening  before  I  had  steadily 
and  firmly  refused  the  wife  of  Bai'.  But  when  I  saw 
your  son  at  the  well  and  he,  Hosea.  ...  Oh,  at  last 
he  was  so  affectionate  and  kissed  me  so  kindly.  .  .  . 
and  then  —  then.  .  .  .  My  poor  heart !  I  saw  him, 
the  best  of  men,  perishing  amid  contumely  and  disease. 


282  JOSHUA. 

And  when  he  passed  with  chains  on  his  feet,  the 
thought  darted  through  my  mind.  ,  .  ." 

"  You  determined,  you  dear,  foolish,  misguided 
child,"  cried  the  old  man,  "  to  win  the  heart  of  the 
future  king  in  order,  through  him,  to  release  my  son, 
your  friend  ?" 

The  dying  girl  again  smiled  assent  and  softly 
exclaimed : 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  did  it  for  that,  for  that  alone.  And 
the  prince  was  so  abhorrent  to  me.  And  the  shame, 
the  disgrace  — oh,  how  terrible  it  was!" 

"  And  you  incurred  it  for  my  son's  sake,"  the  old 
man  interrupted,  raising  her  hand,  wet  with  his  tears, 
to  his  lips;  but  she  fixed  her  eyes  on  Ephraim,  sobbing 
softly  : 

"  I  thought  of  him  too.  He  is  so  young,  and  it  is 
so  horrible  in  the  mines." 

She  shuddered  again  as  she  spoke;  but  the  youth 
covered  her  burning  hand  with  kisses,  while  she  gazed 
affectionately  at  him  and  the  old  man,  adding  in 
faltering  accents : 

"  Oh,  all  is  well  now,  and  if  the  gods  grant  him 
freedom.  .  .  ." 

Here  Ephraim  interrupted  her  to  exclaim  in  fiery 
tones : 

"  We  are  going  to  the  mines  this  very  day.  I  and 
my  comrades,  and  my  grandfather  with  us,  will  put  his 
guards  to  flight." 

"  And  lie  shall  hear  from  my  lips,"  Nun  added, 
"  how  faithfully  Kasana  loved  him,  and  that  his  life 
will  be  too  short  to  thank  her  for  such  a  sacrifice." 

His  voice  failed  him  —  but  every  trace  of  suffering 
had  vanished  from  the  countenance  of  the  dying  girl, 


JOSHUA.  283 

and  for  a  long  time  she  gazed  heavenward  silently  with 
a  happy  look.  By  degrees,  however,  her  smooth  brow 
contracted  in  an  anxious  frown,  and  she  gasped  in  low 
tones : 

"  Well,  all  is  well.  .  .  .  only  one  thing:  .  .  .  my 
body.  .  .  .  unembalmed.  .  .  .  without  the  sacred  amu- 
lets. .  .  ." 

But  the  old  man  answered  : 

"  As  soon  as  you  have  closed  your  eyes,  I  will  give 
it,  carefully  wrapped,  to  the  Phoenician  captain  now 
tarrying  here,  that  he  may  deliver  it  to  your  father." 

Kasana  tried  to  turn  her  head  toward  him  to  thank 
him  with  a  loving  glance,  but  she  suddenly  pressed 
both  hands  on  her  breast,  crimson  blood  welled  from 
her  lips,  her  cheeks  varied  from  livid  white  to  fiery 
scarlet  and,  after  a  brief,  painful  convulsion,  she  sank 
back.  Death  laid  his  hand  on  the  loving  heart,  and 
her  features  gained  the  expression  of  a  child  whose 
mother  has  forgiven  its  fault  and  clasped  it  to  her  heart 
ere  it  fell  asleep. 

The  old  man,  weeping,  closed  the  dead  girl's  eyes. 
Ephraim,  deeply  moved,  kissed  the  closed  lids,  and 
after  a  short  silence  Nun  said  : 

"  I  do  not  like  to  enquire  about  our  fate  beyond  the 
grave,  which  Moses  himself  does  not  know ;  but  who- 
ever has  lived  so  that  his  or  her  memory  is  tenderly 
cherished  in  the  souls  of  loved  ones,  has,  I  think,  done 
the  utmost  possible  to  secure  a  future  existence.  We 
will  remember  this  dead  girl  in  our  most  sacred  hours. 
Let  us  do  for  her  corpse  what  we  promised,  and  then 
set  forth  to  show  the  man  for  whom  Kasana  sacrificed 
what  she  most  valued  that  we  do  not  love  him  less 
than  this  Egyptian  woman. 


284  JOSHUA. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE  prisoners  of  state  who  were  being  transported 
to  the  mines  made  slow  progress.  Even  the  experi- 
enced captain  of  the  guards  had  never  had  a  more 
toilsome  trip  or  one  more  full  of  annoyances,  obstacles, 
and  mishaps. 

One  of  his  moles,  Ephraim,  had  escaped;  he  had 
lost  his  faithful  hounds,  and  after  his  troop  had  been 
terrified  and  drenched  by  a  storm  such  as  scarcely  oc- 
curred in  these  desert  regions  once  in  five  years,  a 
second  had  burst  the  next  evening  —  the  one  which 
brought  destruction  on  Pharaoh's  army —  and  this  had 
been  still  more  violent  and  lasting. 

The  storm  had  delayed  the  march  and,  after  the 
last  cloud-burst,  several  convicts  and  guards  had  been 
attacked  by  fever  owing  to  their  wet  night-quarters  in 
the  open  air.  The  Egyptian  asses,  too,  who  were  un- 
used to  rain,  had  suffered  and  some  of  the  best  had 
been  left  on  the  road. 

Finally  they  had  been  obliged  to  bury  two  dead 
prisoners,  and  place  three  who  were  dangerously  ill  on 
the  remaining  asses ;  and  the  other  prisoners  were  laden 
with  the  stores  hitherto  carried  by  the  beasts  of  burden. 
This  was  the  first  time  such  a  thing  had  happened 
during  the  leader's  service  of  five  and  twenty  years, 
and  he  expected  severe  reproofs. 

All  these  things  exerted  a  baneful  influence  on  the 
disposition  of  the  man,  who  was  usually  reputed  one 
of  the  kindest-hearted  of  his  companions  in  office;  and 


JOSHUA.  285 

Joshua,  the  accomplice  of  the  bold  lad  whose  flight 
was  associated  with  the  other  vexations,  suffered  most 
sorely  from  his  ill-humor. 

Perhaps  the  irritated  man  would  have  dealt  more 
gently  with  him,  had  he  complained  like  the  man  be- 
hind him,  or  burst  into  fierce  oaths  like  his  yoke-mate, 
who  made  threatening  allusions  to  the  future  when  his 
sister-in-law  would  be  in  high  favor  with  Pharaoh  and 
know  how  to  repay  those  who  ill-treated  her  dear 
relative. 

But  Hosea  had  resolved  to  bear  whatever  the  rude 
fellow  and  his  mates  chose  to  inflict  with  the  same 
equanimity  that  he  endured  the  scorching  sun  which, 
ever  since  he  had  served  in  the  army,  had  tortured  him 
during  many  a  march  through  the  desert,  and  his 
steadfast,  manly  character  helped  him  keep  this  deter- 
mination. 

If  the  captain  of  the  gang  loaded  him  with  extra 
heavy  burdens,  he  summoned  all  the  strength  of  his 
muscles  and  tottered  forward  without  a  word  of  com- 
plaint until  his  knees  trembled  under  him;  then  the 
captain  would  rush  to  him,  throw  several  packages 
from  his  shoulders,  and  exclaim  that  he  understood  his 
spite ;  he  was  only  trying  to  be  left  on  the  road,  to  get 
him  into  fresh  difficulties ;  but  he  would  not  allow  him- 
self to  be  robbed  of  the  lives  of  the  men  who  were 
needed  in  the  mines. 

Once  the  captain  inflicted  a  wound  that  bled  se- 
verely ;  but  he  instantly  made  every  effort  to  cure  it, 
gave  him  wine  to  restore  his  strength,  and  delayed  the 
march  half  a  day  to  permit  him  to  rest. 

He  had  not  forgotten  Prince  Siptah's  promise  of  a 
rich  reward  to  any  one  who  brought  him  tidings  of 


286  JOSHUA. 

Hosea's  death,  but  this  was  the  very  reason  that  in- 
duced the  honest-hearted  man  to  watch  carefully  over 
his  prisoner's  life ;  for  the  consciousness  of  having  vio- 
lated his  duty  for  the  sake  of  reaping  any  advantage 
would  have  robbed  him  of  all  pleasure  in  food  and 
drink,  as  well  as  of  the  sound  sleep  which  were  his 
greatest  blessings. 

So  though  the  Hebrew  prisoner  was  tortured,  it 
was  never  beyond  the  limits  of  the  endurable,  and  he 
had  the  pleasure  of  rendering,  by  his  own  great  strength, 
many  a  service  to  his  weaker  companions. 

He  had  commended  his  fate  to  the  God  who  had 
summoned  him  to  His  service;  but  he  was  well  aware 
that  he  must  not  rest  content  with  mere  pious  confi- 
dence, and  therefore  thought  by  day  and  night  of  escape. 
But  the  chain  that  bound  him  to  his  companions  in 
suffering  was  too  firmly  forged,  and  was  so  carefully 
examined  and  hammered  every  morning  and  evening, 
that  the  attempt  to  escape  would  only  have  plunged 
him  into  greater  misery. 

The  prisoners  had  at  first  marched  through  a  hilly 
region,  then  climbed  upward,  with  a  long  mountain 
chain  in  view,  and  finally  reached  a  desert  country 
from  which  truncated  sandstone  cones  rose  singly  from 
the  rocky  ground. 

On  the  fifth  evening  they  encamped  near  a  large 
mountain  which  Nature  seemed  to  have  piled  up  from 
flat  layers  of  stone  and,  as  the  sun  of  the  sixth  day 
rose,  they  turned  into  a  side  valley  leading  to  the  mines 
in  the  province  of  Bech. 

During  the  first  few  days  they  had  been  overtaken  by 
a  messenger  from  the  king's  silver-house;  but  on  the 
other  hand  they  had  met  several  little  bands  bearing  to 


JOSHUA.  287 

Egypt  malachite,  turquoise,  and  copper,  as  well  as  the 
green  glass  made  at  the  mines. 

Among  those  whom  they  met  at  the  entrance  of 
the  cross-valley  into  which  they  turned  on  the  last 
morning  was  a  married  couple  on  their  way  homeward, 
after  having  received  a  pardon  from  the  king.  The 
captain  of  the  guards  pointed  them  out  to  encourage 
his  exhausted  moles,  but  the  spectacle  produced  the 
opposite  effect ;  for  the  tangled  locks  of  the  man,  who 
had  scarcely  passed  his  thirtieth  year,  were  grey,  his  tall 
figure  was  bowed  and  emaciated,  and  his  naked  back 
was  covered  with  scars  and  bleeding  wales ;  the  wife, 
who  had  shared  his  misery,  was  blind.  She  sat  cowering 
on  an  ass,  in  the  dull  torpor  of  insanity,  and  though 
the  passing  of  the  convicts  made  a  startling  interruption 
to  the  silence  of  the  wilderness,  and  her  hearing  had 
remained  keen,  she  paid  no  heed,  but  continued  to  stare 
indifferently  into  vacancy. 

The  sight  of  the  hapless  pair  placed  Hosea's  own 
terrible  future  before  him  as  if  in  a  mirror,  and  for  the 
first  time  he  groaned  aloud  and  covered  iiis  face  with 
his  hands. 

The  captain  of  the  guards  perceived  this  and, 
touched  by  the  horror  of  the  man  whose  resolution  had 
hitherto  seemed  peerless,  called  to  him  : 

"  They  don't  all  come  home  like  that,  no  indeed !" 

"  Because  they  are  even  worse  off,"  he  thought. 
"  But  the  poor  wights  needn't  know  it  beforehand. 
The  next  time  I  come  this  way  I'll  ask  for  Hosea;  I 
shall  want  to  know  what  has  become  of  this  bull  of  a 
man.  The  strongest  and  the  most  resolute  succumb 
the  most  quickly." 

Then,  like  a  driver  urging  an  unharnessed  team  for- 


288  JOSHUA. 

ward,  he  swung  the  lash  over  the  prisoners,  but  without 
touching  them,  and  pointing  to  a  column  of  smoke 
which  rose  behind  a  cliff  at  the  right  of  the  road,  he 
exclaimed : 

"  There  are  the  smelting  furnaces !  We  shall  reach 
our  destination  at  noon.  There  will  be  no  lack  of 
fire  to  cook  lentils,  and  doubtless  you  may  have  a  bit  of 
mutton,  too ,  for  we  celebrate  to-day  the  birth  of  the 
'  good  god,  the  son  of  the  sun ;'  may  life,  health,  and 
prosperity  be  his !" 

For  the  next  half-hour  their  road  led  between  lofty 
cliffs  through  the  dry  bed  of  a  river,  down  which,  after 
the  last  rains,  a  deep  mountain  torrent  had  poured  to 
the  valley ;  but  now  only  a  few  pools  still  remained. 

After  the  melancholy  procession  had  passed  around 
a  steep  mountain  whose  summit  was  crowned  with  a 
small  Egyptian  temple  of  Hathor  and  a  number  of 
monuments,  it  approached  a  bend  in  the  valley  which 
led  to  the  ravine  where  the  mines  were  located. 

Flags,  hoisted  in  honor  of  Pharaoh's  birth-day, 
were  waving  from  tall  masts  before  the  gates  of  the 
little  temple  on  the  mountain  ;  and  when  loud  shouts, 
uproar,  and  clashing  greeted  the  travellers  in  the  valley 
of  the  mines,  which  was  wont  to  be  so  silent,  the  captain 
of  the  guards  thought  that  the  prisoners'  greatest  fes- 
tival was  being  celebrated  in  an  unusually  noisy  way 
and  communicated  this  conjecture  to  the  other  guards 
who  had  paused  to  listen. 

Then  the  party  pressed  forward  without  delay,  but 
no  one  raised  his  head ;  the  noon-day  sun  blazed  so 
fiercely,  and  the  dazzling  walls  of  the  ravine  sent  forth 
a  reflected  glow  as  fierce  as  if  they  were  striving  to 
surpass  the  heat  of  the  neighboring  smelting  furnaces. 


JOSHUA.  289 

Spite  of  the  nearness  of  the  goal  the  prisoners  tot- 
tered forward  as  if  asleep,  only  one  held  his  breath  in 
the  intensity  of  suspense. 

As  the  battle-charger  in  the  plough  arches  his  neck, 
and  expands  his  nostrils,  while  his  eyes  flash  fire,  so 
Joshua's  bowed  figure,  spite  of  the  sack  that  burdened 
his  shoulders,  straightened  itself,  and  his  sparkling  eyes 
were  turned  toward  the  spot  whence  came  the  sounds 
the  captain  of  the  guards  had  mistaken  for  the  loud 
tumult  of  festal  mirth. 

He,  Joshua,  knew  better.  Never  could  he  mistake 
the  roar  echoing  there ;  it  was  the  war-cry  of  Egyptian 
soldiers,  the  blast  of  the  trumpet  summoning  the 
warriors,  the  clank  of  weapons,  and  the  battle-shouts  of 
hostile  hordes. 

Ready  for  prompt  action,  he  bent  toward  his  yoke- 
mate, and  whispered  imperiously  : 

"  The  hour  of  deliverance  is  at  hand.  Take  heed, 
and  obey  me  blindly." 

Strong  excitement  overpowered  his  companion  also, 
and  Hosea  had  scarcely  glanced  into  the  side-valley 
ere  he  bade  him  hold  himself  in  readiness. 

The  first  look  into  the  ravine  had  showed  him,  on 
the  summit  of  a  cliff,  a  venerable  face  framed  in  snowy 
locks  —  his  father's.  He  would  have  recognized  him 
among  thousands  and  at  a  far  greater  distance !  But 
irom  the  beloved  grey  head  he  turned  a  swift  glance  at 
the  guide,  who  had  stopped  in  speechless  horror,  and 
supposing  that  a  mutiny  had  broken  out  among  the 
prisoners,  with  swift  presence  of  mind  shouted  hoarsely 
to  the  other  guards  : 

"  Keep  behind  the  convicts  and  cut  down  every 
one  who  attempts  to  escape !" 


290  JOSHUA. 

But  scarcely  had  his  subordinates  hurried  to  the 
end  of  the  train,  ere  Joshua  whispered  to  his  com- 
panion : 

"At  him!" 

As  he  spoke  the  Hebrew,  who,  with  his  yoke-mate, 
headed  the  procession,  attacked  the  astonished  leader, 
and  ere  he  was  aware  of  it,  Joshua  seized  his  right  arm, 
the  other  his  left. 

The  strong  man,  whose  powers  were  doubled  by 
his  rage,  struggled  furiously  to  escape,  but  Joshua  and 
his  companion  held  him  in  an  iron  grasp. 

A  single  rapid  glance  had  showed  the  chief  the 
path  he  must  take  to  join  his  people  True,  it  led  past 
a  small  band  of  Egyptian  bow-men,  who  were  dis- 
charging their  arrows  at  the  Hebrews  on  the  opposite 
cliff,  but  the  enemy  would  not  venture  to  fire  at  him 
and  his  companion ;  for  the  powerful  figure  of  the  cap- 
tain of  the  guards,  clearly  recognizable  by  his  dress  and 
weapons,  shielded  them  both. 

"  Lift  the  chain  with  your  right  hand,"  whispered 
Joshua,  "  I  will  hold  our  living  buckler.  We  must 
ascend  the  cliff  crab-fashion." 

His  companion  obeyed,  and  as  they  advanced 
within  bow-shot  of  the  enemy — moving  sometimes  back- 
ward, sometimes  sideways  —  they  held  the  Egyptian 
before  them  and  with  the  ringing  shout  "  The  son  of 
Nun  is  returning  to  his  father  and  to  his  people!" 
Joshua  step  by  step  drew  nearer  to  the  Hebrew  com- 
batants. 

Not  one  of  the  Egyptians  who  knew  the  captain  of 
the  prisoners'  guard  had  ventured  to  send  an  arrow  at 
the  escaping  prisoners.  While  the  fettered  pair  were  as- 
cending the  cliff  backward,  Joshua  heard  his  name 


JOSHUA.  291 

shouted  in  joyous  accents,  and  directly  after  Ephraim, 
with  a  band  of  youthful  warriors,  came  rushing  down 
the  height  toward  him. 

To  his  astonishment  Joshua  saw  the  huge  shield, 
sword,  or  battle-axe  of  an  Egyptian  heavily-armed 
soldier  in  the  hands  of  each  of  these  sons  of  his  people, 
but  the  shepherd's  sling  and  the  bag  of  round  stones 
also  hung  from  many  girdles. 

Ephraim  led  his  companions  and,  before  greeting 
his  uncle,  formed  them  into  two  ranks  like  a  double 
wall  between  Joshua  and  the  hostile  bow-men. 

Then  he  gave  himself  up  to  the  delight  of  meeting, 
and  a  second  glad  greeting  soon  followed;  for  old 
Nun,  protected  by  the  tall  Egyptian  shields  which  the 
sea  had  washed  ashore,  had  been  guided  to  the  project- 
ing rock  in  whose  shelter  strong  hands  were  filing  the 
fetters  from  Joshua  and  his  companion,  while  Ephraim, 
with  several  others,  bound  the  captain. 

The  unfortunate  man  had  given  up  all  attempt  at 
resistance  and  submitted  to  everything  as  if  utterly 
crushed.  He  only  asked  permission  to  wipe  his  eyes 
ere  his  arms  were  bound  behind  his  back ;  for  tear  after 
tear  was  falling  on  the  grey  beard  of  the  warder  who, 
outwitted  and  overpowered,  no  longer  felt  capable  of 
discharging  the  duties  of  his  office. 

Nun  clasped  to  his  heart  with  passionate  fervor  the 
rescued  son  whom  he  had  already  mourned  as  lost. 
Then,  releasing  him,  he  stepped  back  and  never  wearied 
of  feasting  his  eyes  on  him  and  hearing  him  repeat 
that,  faithful  to  his  God,  he  had  consecrated  himself  to 
the  service  of  his  people. 

But  it  was  for  a  brief  period  only  that  they  gave 
themselves  up  to  the  bliss  of  this  happy  meeting;  the 


2Q2  JOSHUA. 

battle  asserted  its  rights,  and  its  direction  fell,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  to  Joshua. 

He  had  learned  with  grateful  joy,  yet  not  wholly 
untinged  with  melancholy,  of  the  fate  which  had  over- 
taken the  brave  army  among  whose  leaders  he  had  long 
proudly  numbered  himself,  and  also  heard  that  another 
body  of  armed  shepherds,  under  the  command  of  Hur, 
Miriam's  husband,  had  attacked  the  turquoise  mines  of 
Dophkah,  which  situated  a  little  farther  toward  the 
south,  could  be  reached  in  a  few  hours.  If  they  con- 
quered, they  were  to  join  the  young  followers  of  Eph- 
raim  before  sunset. 

The  latter  was  burning  with  eagerness  to  rush  upon 
the  Egyptians,  but  the  more  prudent  Joshua,  who  had 
scanned  the  foe,  though  he  did  not  doubt  that  they 
must  succumb  to  the  fiery  shepherds,  who  were  far 
superior  to  them  in  numbers,  was  anxious  to  shed  as 
little  blood  as  possible  in  this  conflict,  which  was  waged 
on  his  account,  so  he  bade  Ephraim  cut  a  palm  from 
the  nearest  tree,  ordered  a  shield  to  be  handed  to  him 
and  then,  waving  the  branch  as  an  omen  of  peace,  yet 
cautiously  protecting  himself,  advanced  alone  to  meet 
the  foe. 

The  main  body  were  drawn  up  in  front  of  the 
mines  and,  familiar  with  the  signal  which  requested 
negotiations,  asked  their  commander  for  an  interview. 

The  latter  was  ready  to  grant  it,  but  first  desired  to 
know  the  contents  of  a  letter  which  had  just  been 
handed  to  him  and  must  contain  evil  tidings.  This 
was  evident  from  the  messenger's  looks  and  the  few 
words  which,  though  broken,  were  pregnant  with  mean- 
ing, that  he  had  whispered  to  his  countryman. 

While  some  of  Pharaoh's  warriors  offered  refresh- 


JOSHUA.  293 

ments  to  the  exhausted,  dust-covered  runner,  and  lis- 
tened with  every  token  of  horror  to  the  tidings  he 
hoarsely  gasped,  the  commander  of  the  troops  read  the 
letter. 

His  features  darkened  and,  when  he  had  finished,  he 
clenched  the  papyrus  fiercely;  for  it  had  announced 
tidings  no  less  momentous  than  the  destruction  of  the 
army,  the  death  of  Pharaoh  Menephtah,  and  the  cor- 
onation of  his  oldest  surviving  son  as  Seti  II,  after  the 
attempt  of  Prince  Siptah  to  seize  the  throne  had  been 
frustrated.  The  latter  had  fled  to  the  marshy  region  of 
the  Delta,  and  Aarsu,  the  Syrian,  after  abandoning  him 
and  supporting  the  new  king,  had  been  raised  to  the 
chief  command  of  all  the  mercenaries.  Bai,  the  high- 
priest  and  chief-judge,  had  been  deprived  of  his  rank 
and  banished  by  Seti  II.  Siptah's  confederates  had 
been  taken  to  the  Ethiopian  gold  mines  instead  of  to 
the  copper  mines.  It  was  also  stated  that  many 
women  belonging  to  the  House  of  the  Separated  had 
been  strangled  ;  and  Siptah's  mother  had  undoubtedly 
met  the  same  fate.  Every  soldier  who  could  be  spared 
from  the  mines  was  to  set  off  at  once  for  Tanis,  where 
veterans  were  needed  for  the  new  legions. 

This  news  exerted  a  powerful  influence ;  for  after 
Joshua  had  told  the  commander  that  he  was  aware  of 
the  destruction  of  the  Egyptian  army  and  expected 
reinforcements  which  had  been  sent  to  capture  Dophkah 
to  arrive  within  a  fe\v  hoi^rs,  the  Egyptian  changed  his 
imperious  tone  and  endeavored  merely  to  obtain  favor- 
able conditions  for  retreat.  He  was  but  too  well 
aware  of  the  weakness  of  the  garrison  of  the  turquoise 
mines  and  knew  that  he  could  expect  no  aid  from  home. 
Besides,  the  mediator  inspired  him  with  confidence ; 


294  JOSHUA. 

therefore,  after  many  evasions  and  threats,  he  expressed 
himself  satisfied  with  the  assurance  that  the  garrison, 
accompanied  by  the  beasts  of  burden  and  necessary 
provisions,  should  be  allowed  to  depart  unharmed. 
This,  however,  was  not  to  be  done  until  after  they  had 
laid  down  their  arms  and  showed  the  Hebrews  all  the 
galleries  where  the  prisoners  were  at  work. 

The  young  Hebrews,  who  twice  outnumbered  the 
Egyptians,  at  once  set  about  disarming  them;  and 
many  an  old  warrior's  eyes  grew  dim,  many  a  man 
broke  his  lance  or  snapped  his  arrows  amid  execrations 
and  curses,  while  some  grey-beards  who  had  formerly 
served  under  Joshua  and  recognized  him,  raised  their 
clenched  fists  and  upbraided  him  as  a  traitor. 

The  dregs  of  the  army  were  sent  for  this  duty  in  the 
wilderness  and  most  of  the  men  bore  in  their  faces  the 
impress  of  corruption  and  brutality.  Those  in  authority 
on  the  Nile  knew  how  to  choose  soldiers  whose  duty 
it  was  to  exercise  pitiless  severity  against  the  defence- 
less. 

At  last  the  mines  were  opened  and  Joshua  himself 
seized  a  lamp  and  pressed  forward  into  the  hot  galleries 
where  the  naked  prisoners  of  state,  loaded  with  fetters, 
were  hewing  the  copper  ore  from  the  walls. 

Already  he  could  hear  in  the  distance  the  picks, 
whose  heads  were  shaped  like  a  swallow's  tail,  bite  the 
hard  rock.  Then  he  distinguished  the  piteous  wails  of 
tortured  men  and  women  ;  for  cruel  overseers  had  fol- 
lowed them  into  the  mine  and  were  urging  the  slow  to 
greater  haste. 

To-day,  Pharaoh's  birthday,  they  had  been  driven 
to  the  temple  of  Hathor  on  the  summit  of  the  neigh- 
boring height,  to  pray  for  the  king  who  had  plunged 


JOSHUA.  295 

them  into  the  deepest  misery,  and  they  would  have 
been  released  from  labor  until  the  next  morning,  had 
not  the  unexpected  attack  induced  the  commander  to 
force  them  back  into  the  mines.  Therefore  to-day  the 
women,  who  were  usually  obliged  merely  to  crush  and 
sift  the  ores  needed  to  make  glass  and  dyes,  were  com- 
pelled to  labor  in  the  galleries. 

When  the  convicts  heard  Joshua's  shouts  and  foot- 
steps, which  echoed  from  the  bare  cliffs,  they  were 
afraid  that  some  fresh  misfortune  was  impending,  and 
wailing  and  lamentations  arose  in  ail  directions.  But 
the  deliverer  soon  reached  the  first  convicts,  and  the 
glad  tidings  that  he  had  come  to  save  them  from  their 
misery  speedily  extended  to  the  inmost  depths  of  the 
mines. 

Wild  exultation  filled  the  galleries  which  were  wont 
to  witness  only  sorrowful  moans  and  burning  tears ; 
yet  loud  cries  for  help,  piteous  wailings,  groans,  and  the 
death-rattle  reached  Joshua's  ear ;  for  a  hot-blooded 
man  had  rushed  upon  the  overseer  most  hated  and 
felled  him  with  his  pick-axe.  His  example  quickly  in- 
flamed the  others'  thirst  for  vengeance  and,  ere  it  could 
be  prevented,  the  same  fate  overtook  the  other  officials. 
But  they  had  defended  themselves  and  the  corpse  of 
many  a  prisoner  strewed  the  ground  beside  their  tor- 
mentors. 

Obeying  Joshua's  call,  the  liberated  multitude  at 
last  emerged  into  the  light  of  day.  Savage  and  fierce 
were  the  outcries  which  blended  in  sinister  discord  with 
the  rattling  of  the  chains  they  dragged  after  them. 
Even  the  most  fearless  among  the  Hebrews  shrank  in 
horror  as  they  beheld  the  throng  of  hapless  sufferers  in 
the  full  radiance  of  the  sunlight ;  for  the  dazzled,  red- 


296  JOSHUA. 

dened  eyes  of  the  unfortunate  sufferers,  —  many  of 
whom  had  formerly  enjoyed  in  their  own  homes  or  at 
the  king's  court  every  earthly  blessing;  who  had  been 
tender  mothers  and  fathers,  rejoiced  in  doing  good,  and 
shared  all  the  blessings  of  the  civilization  of  a  richly 
gifted  people,- — these  dazzled  eyes  which  at  first  glittered 
through  tears  caused  by  the  swift  transition  from  the 
darkness  of  the  mines  to  the  glare  of  the  noon-day 
sun,  soon  sparkled  as  fiercely  and  greedily  as  those  of 
starving  oVls. 

At  first,  overwhelmed  by  the  singular  change  in 
their  destiny,  they  struggled  for  composure  and  did  not 
resist  the  Hebrews,  who,  at  Joshua's  signal,  began  to 
file  the  fetters  from  their  ankles;  but  when  they  per- 
ceived the  disarmed  soldiers  and  overseers  who,  guarded 
by  Ephraim  and  his  companions,  were  ranged  at  the 
base  of  a  cliff,  a  strange  excitement  overpowered 
them.  Amid  shrieks  and  yells  which  no  name  can 
designate,  no  words  describe,  they  broke  from  those 
who  were  trying  to  remove  their  fetters  and,  though  no 
glance  or  word  had  been  exchanged  between  them, 
obeyed  the  same  terrible  impulse,  and  unheeding  the 
chains  that  burdened  them,  rushed  upon  the  defenceless 
Egyptians.  Before  the  Hebrews  could  prevent  it,  each 
threw  himself  upon  the  one  who  had  inflicted  the  worst 
suffering  upon  him;  and  here  might  be  seen  an  emaciated 
man  clutching  the  throat  of  his  stronger  foe,  yonder  a 
band  of  nude  women  horribly  disfigured  by  want  and 
neglect,  rush  upon  the  man  who  had  most  rudely  in- 
sulted, beaten,  and  abused  them,  and  with  teeth  and 
nails  wreak  upon  him  their  long  repressed  fury. 

It  seemed  as  though  the  flood-tide  of  hate  had  burst 
its  dam  and,  unfettered,  was  demanding  its  victims. 


JOSHUA.  297 

There  was  a  horrible  scene  of  attack  and  defence, 
a  ferocious,  bloody  conflict  on  foot  and  amid  the  red 
sand  of  the  desert,  shrieks,  yells,  and  howls  pierced  the 
ear;  nay,  it  was  difficult  to  distinguish  individuals  in 
this  motley  confusion  of  men  and  women,  animated  on 
the  one  side  by  the  wildest  passion,  a  yearning  for  ven- 
geance amounting  to  blood-thirstiness,  and  on  the  other 
by  the  dread  of  death  and  the  necessity  for  self- 
defence. 

Only  a  few  of  the  prisoners  had  succeeded  in  con- 
trolling themselves;  but  they,  too,  shouted  irritating 
words  to  their  fellows,  reviled  the  Egyptians  in  violent 
excitement,  and  shook  their  clenched  fists  at  the  dis- 
armed foe. 

The  fury  with  which  the  liberated  serfs  rushed  upon 
their  tormentors  was  as  unprecedented  as  the  cruelties 
they  had  suffered. 

But  Joshua  had  deprived  the  Egyptians  of  their 
weapons,  and  they  were  therefore  under  his  pro- 
tection. 

So  he  commanded  his  men  to  separate  the  com- 
batants, if  possible  without  bloodshed ;  but  the  task  was 
no  easy  one,  and  many  new  and  horrible  deeds  were 
committed.  At  last,  however,  it  was  accomplished, 
and  they  now  perceived  how  terribly  rage  had  increased 
the  strength  of  the  exhausted  and  feeble  sufferers ;  for 
though  no  weapons  had  been  used  in  the  conflict  a 
number  of  corpses  strewed  the  spot,  and  most  of  the 
guards  were  bleeding  from  terrible  wounds. 

After  quiet  had  been  restored,  Joshua  asked  the 
wounded  commander  for  the  list  of  prisoners,  but  he 
pointed  to  the  clerk  of  the  mines,  whom  none  of  the 
convicts  had  assailed.  He  had  been  their  physician 


298  JOSHUA. 

and  treated  them  kindly  —  an  elderly  man,  he  had 
himself  undergone  sore  trials  and,  knowing  the  pain  of 
suffering,  was  ready  to  alleviate  the  pangs  of  others. 

He  willingly  read  aloud  the  names  of  the  prisoners, 
among  which  were  several  Hebrew  ones,  and  after  each 
individual  had  responded,  many  declared  themselves 
ready  to  join  the  wandering  tribes. 

When  the  disarmed  soldiers  and  guards  at  last  set 
out  on  their  way  home,  the  captain  of  the  band  that 
had  escorted  Joshua  and  his  companions  left  the  other 
Egyptians,  and  with  drooping  head  and  embarrassed 
mien  approached  old  Nun  and  his  son,  and  begged 
permission  to  go  with  them ;  for  he  could  expect  no 
favor  at  home  and  there  was  no  God  in  Egypt  so 
mighty  as  theirs.  It  had  not  escaped  his  notice  that 
Hosea,  who  had  once  been  a  chief  in  the  Egyptian 
service,  had  raised  his  hands  in  the  sorest  straits  to 
this  God,  and  never  had  he  witnessed  the  same  degree 
of  resolution  that  he  possessed.  Now  he  also  knew  that 
this  same  mighty  God  had  buried  Pharaoh's  powerful 
army  in  the  sea  to  save  His  people.  Such  a  God  was 
acceptable  to  his  heart,  and  he  desired  nothing  better 
than  to  remain  henceforward  with  those  who  served 
Him. 

Joshua  willingly  allowed  him  to  join  the  Hebrews. 
Then  it  appeared  that  there  were  fifteen  of  the  latter 
among  the  liberated  prisoners  and,  to  Ephraim's  special 
delight,  Reuben,  the  husband  of  poor  melancholy 
Milcah,  who  clung  so  closely  to  Miriam.  His  reserved, 
laconic  disposition  had  stood  him  in  good  stead,  and 
the  arduous  forced  labor  seemed  to  have  inflicted  little 
injury  on  his  robust  frame. 

The  exultation  of  victory,  the  joy  of  success,  had 


JOSHUA.  299 

taken  full  possession  of  Ephraim  and  his  youthful  band ; 
but  when  the  sun  set  and  there  was  still  no  sign  of  Hur 
and  his  band,  Nun  and  his  followers  were  seized  with 
anxiety. 

Ephraim  had  already  proposed  to  go  with  some  of 
his  companions  in  quest  of  tidings,  when  a  messenger 
announced  that  Hur's  men  had  lost  courage  at  the 
sight  of  the  well-fortified  Egyptian  citadel.  Their 
leader,  it  is  true,  had  urged  them  to  the  assault,  but  his 
band  had  .shrunk  from  the  peril  and,  unless  Nun  and 
his  men  brought  aid,  they  would  return  with  their 
mission  unfulfilled. 

It  was  therefore  resolved  to  go  to  the  assistance  of 
the  timorous.  With  joyous  confidence  they  marched 
forward  and,  during  the  journey  through  the  cool  night, 
Ephraim  and  Nun  described  to  Joshua  how  they  had 
found  Kasana  and  how  she  had  died.  What  she  had 
desired  to  communicate  to  the  man  she  loved  was  now 
made  known  to  him,  and  the  warrior  listened  with  deep 
emotion  and  remained  silent  and  thoughtful  until  they 
reached  Dophkah,  the  valley  of  the  turquoise  mines, 
from  whose  center  rose  the  fortress  which  contained 
the  prisoners. 

Hur  and  his  men  had  remained  concealed  in  a  side- 
valley,  and  after  Joshua  had  divided  the  Hebrew  force 
into  several  bodies  and  assigned  to  each  a  certain  task, 
he  gave  at  dawn  the  signal  for  the  assault. 

After  a  brief  struggle  the  little  garrison  was  over- 
powered and  the  fortress  taken.  The  disarmed 
Egyptians,  like  their  companions  at  the  copper  mines, 
were  sent  home.  The  prisoners  were  released  and  the 
lepers,  whose  quarters  were  in  a  side-valley  beyond  the 
mines  —  among  them  were  those  who  at  Joshua's 


300  JOSHUA. 

bidding  had  been  brought  here  —  were  allowed  to 
follow  the  conquerors  at  a  certain  distance. 

What  Hur,  Miriam's  husband,  could  not  accomplish, 
Joshua  had  done,  and  ere  the  young  soldiers  departed 
with  Ephraim,  old  Nun  assembled  them  to  offer  thanks 
to  the  Lord.  The  men  under  Hur's  command  also 
joined  in  the  prayer  and  wherever  Joshua  appeared 
Ephraim's  companions  greeted  him  with  cheers. 

"  Hail  to  our  chief!"  often  rang  on  the  air,  as  they 
marched  forward  :  "  Hail  to  him  whom  the  Most  High 
Himself  has  chosen  for  His  sword  !  We  will  gladly 
follow  him ;  for  through  him  God  leads  us  to  vic- 
tory." 

Hur's  men  also  joined  in  these  shouts,  and  he  did 
not  forbid  them  ;  nay,  after  the  storming  of  the  fortress, 
he  had  thanked  Joshua  and  expressed  his  pleasure  in 
his  liberation. 

At  the  departure,  the  younger  man  had  stepped 
back  to  let  the  older  one  precede  him ;  but  Hur  had 
entreated  grey-haired  Nun,  who  was  greatly  his  senior, 
to  take  the  head  of  the  procession,  though  after  the 
deliverance  of  the  people  on  the  shore  of  the  Red  Sea 
he  had  himself  been  appointed  by  Moses  and  the 
elders  to  the  chief  command  of  the  Hebrew  soldiers. 

The  road  led  first  through  a  level  moutain  valley, 
then  it  crossed  the  pass  known  as  the  "  Sword-point  ", 
which  was  the  only  means  of  communication  between 
the  mines  and  the  Red  Sea. 

The  rocky  landscape  was  wild  and  desolate,  and  the 
path  to  be  climbed  steep.  Joshua's  old  father,  who  had 
grown  up  on  the  flat  plains  of  Goshen  and  was  unac- 
customed to  climbing  mountains,  was  borne  amid  the 
joyous  acclamations  of  the  others,  in  the  arms  of  his 


JOSHUA.  301 

son  and  grandson,  to  the  summit  of  the  pass ;  but  Miri- 
am's husband  who,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  followed 
the  division  of  Ephraim's  companions,  heard  the  shouts 
of  the  youths  yet  moved  with  drooping  head  and  eyes 
bent  on  the  ground. 

At  the  summit  they  were  to  rest  and  wait  for  the 
people  who  were  to  be  led  through  the  wilderness  of 
Sin  to  Dophkah. 

The  victors  gazed  from  the  top  of  the  pas's  in  search 
of  the  travellers  ;  but  as  yet  no  sign  of  them  appeared. 
But  when  they  looked  back  along  the  mountain  path 
whence  they  had  come  a  different  spectacle  presented 
itself,  a  scene  so  grand,  so  marvellous,  that  it  attracted 
every  eye  as  though  by  a  magic  spell ;  for  at  their  feet 
lay  a  circular  valley,  surrounded  by  lofty  cliffs,  mountain 
ridges,  peaks,  and  summits,  which  here  white  as  chalk, 
yonder  raven-black,  here  grey  and  brown,  yonder  red 
and  green,  appeared  to  grow  upward  from  the  sand 
toward  the  azure  sky  of  the  wilderness,  steeped  in 
dazzling  light,  and  unshadowed  by  the  tiniest  cloudlet. 

All  that  the  eye  beheld  was  naked  and  bare,  silent 
and  lifeless.  On  the  slopes  of  the  many-colored  rocks, 
which  surrounded  the  sandy  valley,  grew  no  blade  of 
grass  nor  smallest  plant.  Neither  bird,  worm,  nor 
beetle  stirred  in  these  silent  tracts,  hostile  to  all  life. 
Here  the  eye  discerned  no  cultivation,  —  nothing  that 
recalled  human  existence.  God  seemed  to  have  cre- 
ated for  Himself  alone  these  vast  tracts  which  were  of 
service  to  no  living  creature.  Whoever  penetrated  into 
this  wilderness  entered  a  spot  which  the  Most  High 
had  perchance  chosen  for  a  place  of  rest  and  retreat,  like 
the  silent,  inaccessible  Holy  of  Holies  of  the  temple. 

The  young  men  had  gazed  mutely  at  the  wonderful 


302  JOSHUA. 

scene  at  their  feet.  Now  they  prepared  to  encamp  and 
showed  themselves  diligent  in  serving  old  Nun,  whom 
they  sincerely  loved.  Resting  among  them  under  a 
hastily  erected  canopy  he  related,  with  sparkling  eyes, 
the  deeds  his  son  had  performed. 

Meanwhile  Joshua  and  Hur  were  still  standing  at 
the  top  of  the  pass,  the  former  gazing  silently  down 
into  the  dreary,  rocky  valley,  which  overarched  by  the 
blue  dome  of  the  sky,  surrounded  by  the  mountain 
pillars  and  columns  from  God's  own  workshop,  opened 
before  him  as  the  mightiest  of  temples. 

The  old  man  had  long  gazed  gloomily  at  the  ground, 
but  he  suddenly  interrupted  the  silence  and  said : 

"  In  Succoth  I  erected  a  heap  of  stones  and  called 
upon  the  Lord  to  be  a  witness  between  us.  But  in 
this  spot,  amid  this  silence,  it  seems  to  me  that  without 
memorial  or  sign  we  are  sure  of  His  presence."  Here 
he  drew  his  figure  to  a  greater  height  and  continued  : 
"  And  I  now  raise  mine  eyes  to  Thee,  Adonai,  and 
address  my  humble  words  to  Thee,  Jehovah,  Thou  God 
of  Abraham  and  of  our  fathers,  that  Thou  mayst  a 
second  time  be  a  witness  between  me  and  this  man 
whom  Thou  Thyself  didst  summon  to  Thy  service,  that 
he  might  be  Thy  sword." 

He  had  uttered  these  words  with  eyes  and  hands 
uplifted,  then  turning  to  the  other,  he  said  with  solemn 
earnestness  : 

"  So  I  ask  thee  Hosea,  son  of  Nun,  dost  thou  re- 
member the  vow  which  thou  and  I  made  before  the 
stones  in  Succoth  ?" 

"  I  do,"  was  the  reply.  "  And  in  sore  disaster  and 
great  peril  I  perceived  what  the  Most  High  desired  of 
me,  and  am  resolved  to  devote  to  Him  all  the  strength 


JOSHUA.  303 

I 

of  body  and  soul  with  which  He  has  endowed  me,  to 
Him  alone,  and  to  His  people,  who  are  also  mine. 
Henceforward  I  will  be  called  Joshua  ....  nor  will  I 
seek  service  with  the  Egyptians  or  any  foreign  king; 
for  the  Lord  our  God  through  the  lips  of  thy  wife 
bestowed  this  name  upon  me." 

Then  Hur,  with  solemn  earnestness,  broke  in : 

"  That  is  what  I  expected  to  hear  and  as,  in  this 
place  also,  the  Most  High  is  a  witness  between  me  and 
thee  and  hears  this  conversation,  let  the  vow  I  made  in 
His  presence  be  here  fulfilled.  The  heads  of  the  tribes 
and  Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  appointed  me  to 
the  command  of  the  fighting-men  of  our  people.  But 
now  thou  dost  call  thyself  Joshua,  and  hast  vowed  to 
serve  no  other  than  the  Lord  our  God.  I  am  well 
aware  thou  canst  accomplish  far  greater  things  as  com- 
mander of  an  army  than  I,  who  have  grown  grey  in 
driving  herds,  or  than  any  other  Hebrew,  by  whatever 
name  he  is  known,  so  I  will  fulfil  the  vow  sworn  at 
Succoth.  I  will  ask  Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  elders  to  confide  to  thee  the  office  of  com- 
mander. In  their  hands  will  I  place  the  decision  and, 
because  I  feel  that  the  Most  High  beholds  my  heart, 
let  me  confess  that  I  have  thought  of  thee  with  secret 
rancor.  Yet,  for  the  welfare  of  the  people,  I  will  forget 
what  lies  between  us  and  offer  thee  my  hand." 

With  these  words  he  held  out  his  hand  to  Joshua 
and  the  latter,  grasping  it,  replied  with  generous 
candor : 

"  Thy  words  are  manly  and  mine  shall  be  also. 
For  the  sake  of  the  people  and  the  cause  we  both 
serve,  I  will  accept  thy  offer.  Yet  since  thou  hast 
summoned  the  Most  High  as  a  witness  and  He  hears 


304  JOSHUA. 

me,  I,  too,  will  not  withhold  one  iota  of  the  truth. 
The  Lord  Himself  has  summoned  me  to  the  office  of 
commander  of  the  fighting-men  which  thou  dost  desire 
to  commit  to  me.  It  was  done  through  Miriam,  thy 
wife,  and  is  my  due.  Yet  I  recognize  thy  willingness 
to  yield  thy  dignity  to  me  as  a  praiseworthy  deed,  since 
I  know  how  hard  it  is  for  a  man  to  resign  power, 
especially  in  favor  of  a  younger  one  whom  he  does  not 
love.  Thou  hast  done  this,  and  I  am  grateful.  I,  too, 
have  thought  of  thee  with  secret  rancor;  for  through 
thee  I  lost  another  possession  harder  for  a  man  to  re- 
nounce than  office :  the  love  of  woman." 

The  hot  blood  mounted  into  Hur's  cheeks,  as  he 
exclaimed : 

"  Miriam  !  I  did  not  force  her  into  marriage ;  nay 
I  did  not  even  purchase  her,  according  to  the  custom 
of  our  fathers,  with  the  bridal  dowry  —  she  became  my 
wife  of  her  own  free  will." 

"  I  know  it,"  replied  Joshua  quietly,  "  yet  there  was 
one  man  who  had  yearned  to  make  her  his  longer  and 
more  ardently  than  thou,  and  the  fire  of  jealousy  burned 
fiercely  in  his  heart.  But  have  no  anxiety ;  for  wert 
thou  now  to  give  her  a  letter  of  divorce  and  lead  her 
to  me  that  I  might  open  my  arms  and  tent  to  receive 
her,  I  would  exclaim  : 

"  Why  hast  thou  done  this  thing  to  thyself  and  to 
me  ?  For  a  short  time  ago  I  learned  what  woman's 
love  is,  and  that  I  was  mistaken  when  I  believed 
Miriam  shared  the  ardor  of  my  heart.  Besides,  during 
the  march  with  fetters  on  my  feet,  in  the  heaviest  mis- 
fortune, I  vowed  to  devote  all  the  strength  and  energy 
of  soul  and  body  to  the  welfare  of  our  people.  Nor 
shall  the  love  of  woman  turn  me  from  the  great  duty  I 


JOSHUA.  305 

have  taken  upon  myself.  As  for  thy  wife,  I  shall  treat 
her  as  a  stranger  unless,  as  a  prophetess,  she  summons 
me  to  announce  a  new  message  from  the  Lord  " 

With  these  words  he  held  out  his  hand  to  his  com- 
panion and,  as  Hur  grasped  it,  loud  voices  were  heard 
from  the  fighting-men,  for  messengers  were  climbing 
the  mountain,  who,  shouting  and  beckoning,  pointed 
to  the  vast  cloud  of  dust  that  preceded  the  march  of 
the  tribes. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  Hebrews  came  nearer  and  nearer,  and  many 
of  the  young  combatants  hastened  to  meet  them. 

These  were  not  the  joyous  bands,  who  had  joined 
triumphantly  in  Miriam's  song  of  praise,  no,  they  tot- 
tered toward  the  mountain  slowly,  with  drooping  heads. 
They  were  obliged  to  scale  the  pass  from  the  steeper 
side,  and  how  the  bearers  sighed;  how  piteously  the 
women  and  children  wailed,  how  fiercely  the  drivers 
swore  as  they  urged  the  beasts  of  burden  up  the 
narrow,  rugged  path ;  how  hoarsely  sounded  the  voices 
of  the  half  fainting  men  as  they  braced  their  shoulders 
against  the  carts  to  aid  the  beasts  of  burden. 

These  thousands  who,  but  a  few  short  days  before, 
had  so  gratefully  felt  the  saving  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
seemed  to  Joshua,  who  stood  watching  their  approach, 
like  a  defeated  army. 

But  the  path  they  had  followed  from  their  last  en- 
campment, the  harbor  by  the  Red  Sea,  was  rugged, 
arid,  and  to  them,  who  had  grown  up  among  the 


306  JOSHUA. 

fruitful  plains  of  Lower  Egypt,  toilsome  and  full  of 
terror. 

It  had  led  through  the  midst  of  the  bare  rocky 
landscape,  and  their  eyes,  accustomed  to  distant  ho- 
rizons and  luxuriant  green  foliage,  met  narrow  boun- 
daries and  a  barren  wilderness. 

Since  passing  through  the  Gate  of  Baba,  they  had 
beheld  on  their  way  through  the  valley  of  the  same 
name  and  their  subsequent  pilgrimage  through  the 
wilderness  of  Sin,  nothing  save  valleys  with  steep 
precipices  on  either  side.  A  lofty  mountain  of  the  hue 
of  death  had  towered,  black  and  terrible,  above  the 
reddish-brown  slopes,  which  seemed  to  the  wanderers 
like  the  work  of  human  hands,  for  the  strata  of  stones 
rose  at  regular  intervals.  One  might  have  supposed 
that  the  giant  builders  whose  hands  had  toiled  here  in 
the  service  of  the  Sculptor  of  the  world  had  been  sum- 
moned away  ere  they  had  completed  the  task,  which  in 
this  wilderness  had  no  searching  eye  to  fear  and  seemed 
destined  for  the  service  of  no  living  creature.  Grey 
and  brown  granite  cliffs  and  ridges  rose  on  both  sides 
of  the  path,  and  in  the  sand  which  covered  it  lay  heaps 
of  small  bits  of  red  porphyry  and  coal-black  stones 
that  seemed  as  if  they  had  been  broken  by  the  blows 
of  a  hammer  and  resembled  the  dross  from  which  metal 
had  been  melted.  Greenish  masses  of  rock,  most  pe- 
culiar in  form,  surrounded  the  narrow,  cliff-circled 
mountain  valleys,  which  opened  into  one  another. 
The  ascending  path  pierced  them;  and  often  the  He- 
brews, as  they  entered,  feared  that  the  lofty  cliffs  in  the 
distance  would  compel  them  to  return.  Then  murmurs 
and  lamentations  arose,  but  the  mode  of  egress  soon 
appeared  and  led  to  another  rock-valley. 


JOSHUA.  307 

-On  departing  from  the  harbor  at  the  Red  Sea  they 
had  often  found  thorny  gum  acacias  and  an  aromatic 
desert  plant,  which  the  animals  relished ;  but  the  farther 
they  entered  the  rocky  wilderness,  the  more  scorching 
and  arid  the  sand  became,  and  at  last  the  eye  'sought 
in  vain  for  herbs  and  trees. 

At  Elim  fresh  springs  and  shade-giving  palms  were 
found,  and  at  the  Red  Sea  there  were  well-filled  cisterns  ; 
but  here  at  the  camp  in  the  wilderness  of  Sin  nothing 
had  been  discovered  to  quench  the  thirst,  and  at  noon 
it  seemed  as  though  an  army  of  spiteful  demons  had 
banished  every  inch  of  shade  cast  by  the  cliffs ;  for 
every  part  of  the  valleys  and  ravines  blazed  and 
glowed,  and  nowhere  was  there  the  slightest  protection 
from  the  scorching  sun. 

The  last  water  brought  with  them  had  been  dis- 
tributed among  the  human  beings  and  animals,  and 
when  the  procession  started  in  the  morning  not  a  drop 
could  be  found  to  quench  their  increasing  thirst. 

Then  the  old  doubting  rancor  and  rebelliousness 
took  possession  of  the  multitude.  Curses  directed 
against  Moses  and  the  elders,  who  had  led  them  from 
the  comfort  of  well-watered  Egypt  to  this  misery,  neve* 
ceased;  but  when  they  climbed  the  pass  of  the  "  Sword^ 
point "  their  parched  throats  had  become  too  dry  foi 
oaths  and  invectives. 

Messengers  from  old  Nun,  Ephraim,  and  Hur  had 
already  informed  the  approaching  throngs  that  the 
young  men  had  gained  a  victory  and  liberated  Joshua 
and  the  other  captives ;  but  their  discouragement  had 
become  so  great  that  even  this  good  news  made  little 
change,  and  only  a  flitting  smile  on  the  bearded  lips  of 


308  JOSHUA. 

the  men,  or  a  sudden  flash  of  the  old  light  in  the  dark 
eyes  of  the  women  appeared. 

Miriam,  accompanied  by  melancholy  Milcah,  had 
remained  with  her  companions  instead  of,  as  usual, 
calling  upon  the  women  to  thank  the  Most  High. 

Reuben,  the  husband  of  her  sorrowful  ward  whom 
fear  of  disappointment  still  deterred  from  yielding  to 
his  newly-awakened  hopes,  was  a  quiet,  reticent  man,  so 
the  first  messenger  did  not  know  whether  he  was 
among  the  liberated  prisoners.  But  great  excitement 
overpowered  Milcah  and,  when  Miriam  bade  her  be 
patient,  she  hurried  from  one  playmate  to  another  as- 
sailing them  with  urgent  questions.  When  even  the 
last  could  give  her  no  information  concerning  the  hus- 
band she  had  loved  and  lost,  she  burst  into  loud  sobs 
and  fled  back  to  the  prophetess.  But  she  received 
little  consolation,  for  the  woman  who  was  expecting  to 
greet  her  own  husband  as  a  conqueror  and  see  the 
rescued  friend  of  her  childhood,  was  absent-minded 
and  troubled,  as  if  some  heavy  burden  oppressed  her 
soul. 

Moses  had  left  the  tribes  as  soon  as  he  learned  that 
the  attack  upon  the  mines  had  succeeded  and  Joshua 
was  rescued ;  for  it  had  been  reported  that  the  warlike 
Amalekites,  who  dwelt  in  the  oasis  at  the  foot  of  Mt. 
Sinai,  were  preparing  to  resist  the  Hebrews'  passage 
through  their  well-watered  tract  in  the  wilderness  with 
its  wealth  of  palms.  Accompanied  by  a  few  picked 
men  he  set  off  across  the  mountains  in  quest  of  tidings, 
expecting  to  join  his  people  between  Alush  and  Rephi- 
dim  in  the  valley  before  the  oasis. 

Abidan,  the  head  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  with 
Hur  and  Nun,  the  princes  of  Judah  and  Ephraim  — 


JOSHUA."  309 

after  their  return  from  the  mines  —  were  to  represent 
him  and  his  companions. 

As  the  people  approached  the  steep  pass  Hur,  with 
more  of  the  rescued  prisoners,  came  to  meet  them,  and 
hurrying  in  advance  of  all  the  rest  was  young  Reuben, 
Milcah's  lost  husband.  She  had  recognized  him  in  the 
distance  as  he  rushed  down  the  mountain  and,  spite  of 
Miriam's  protest,  darted  into  the  midst  of  the  tribe  of 
Simeon  which  marched  in  front  of  hers. 

The  sight  of  their  meeting  cheered  many  a  troubled 
spirit  and  when  at  last,  clinging  closely  to  each  other, 
they  hurried  to  Miriam  and  the  latter  beheld  the  face 
of  her  charge,  it  seemed  as  though  a  miracle  had  been 
wrought ;  for  the  pale  lily  had  become  in  the  hue  of 
her  cheeks  a  blooming  rose.  Her  lips,  too,  which  she 
had  but  rarely  and  timidly  opened  for  a  question  or  an 
answer,  were  in  constant  motion;  for  how  much  she 
desired  to  know,  how  many  questions  she  had  to  ask 
the  silent  husband  who  had  endured  such  terrible 
suffering. 

They  were  a  handsome,  happy  pair,  and  it  seemed 
to  them  as  if,  instead  of  passing  naked  rocks  over  barren 
desert  paths,  they  were  journeying  through  a  vernal 
landscape  where  springs  were  gushing  and  birds  carol- 
ling their  songs. 

Miriam,  who  had  done  everything  in  her  power  to 
sustain  the  grieving  wife,  was  also  cheered  by  the  sight 
of  her  happiness.  But  every  trace  of  joyous  sympathy 
soon  vanished  from  her  features ;  for  while  Reuben 
and  Milcah,  as  if  borne  on  wings,  seemed  scarcely  to 
touch  the  soil  of  the  wilderness,  she  moved  forward 
with  drooping  head,  oppressed  by  the  thought  that  it 

21 


310  JOSHUA. 

was  her  own  fault  that  no  like  happiness  could  bloom 
for  her  in  this  hour. 

She  told  herself  that  she  had  made  a  sore  sacrifice, 
worthy  of  the  highest  reward  and  pleasing  in  the  sight 
of  God,  when  she  refused  to  obey  the  voice  of  her 
heart,  yet  she  could  not  banish  from  her  memory  the 
dying  Egyptian  who  had  denied  her  right  to  be  num- 
bered among  those  who  loved  Hosea,  the  woman  who 
for  his  sake  had  met  so  early  a  death. 

She,  Miriam,  lived,  yet  she  had  killed  the  most  fer- 
vent desire  of  her  soul ;  duty  forbade  her  thinking  with 
ardent  longing  of  him  who  lingered  up  yonder,  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  his  people  and  the  God  of  his  fathers,  a 
free,  noble  man,  perhaps  the  future  leader  of  the 
warriors  of  her  race,  and  if  Moses  so  appointed,  next  to 
him  the  first  and  greatest  of  all  the  Hebrews,  but  lost, 
forever  lost  to  her. 

Had  she  on  that  fateful  night  obeyed  the  yearning 
of  her  woman's  heart  and  not  the  demands  of  the  voca- 
tion which  placed  her  far  above  all  other  women,  he 
would  long  since  have  clasped  her  in  his  arms,  as  quiet 
Reuben  embraced  his  poor,  feeble  Milcah,  now  so  joy- 
ous as  she  walked  stoutly  at  his  side. 

What  thoughts  were  these  ? 

She  must  drive  them  back  to  the  inmost  recesses  of 
her  heart,  seek  to  crush  them;  for  it  was  a  sin  for  her 
to  long  so  ardently  to  meet  another.  She  wished  for 
her  husband's  presence,  as  a  saviour  from  herself  and 
the  forbidden  desires  of  this  terrible  hour. 

Hur,  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  was  her  hus- 
band, not  the  former  Egyptian,  the  liberated  captive. 

What  had  she  to  ask  from  the  Ephraimite,  whom 
she  had  forever  refused  ? 


JOSHUA.  311 

Why  should  it  hurt  her  that  the  liberated  prisoner 
did  not  seek  her ;  why  did  she  secretly  cherish  the  fool- 
ish hope  that  momentous  duties  detained  him  ? 

She  scarcely  saw  or  heard  what  was  passing  around 
her,  and  Milcah's  grateful  greeting  to  her  husband  first 
informed  her  that  Hur  was  approaching. 

He  had  waved  his  hand  to  her  while  still  afar,  but 
he  came  alone,  without  Hosea  or  Joshua,  she  cared  not 
what  the  rescued  man  called  himself;  and  it  angered 
her  to  feel  that  this  hurt  her,  nay,  pierced  her  to  the 
heart.  Yet  she  esteemed  her  elderly  husband  and  it 
was  not  difficult  for  her  to  give  him  a  cordial  wel- 
come. 

He  answered  her  greeting  joyously  and  tenderly; 
but  when  she  pointed  to  the  re-united  pair  and  extolled 
him  as  victor  and  deliverer  of  Reuben  and  so  many 
hapless  men,  he  frankly  owned  that  he  had  no  right  to 
this  praise,  it  was  the  due  of  "Joshua,"  whom  she  her- 
self had  summoned  in  the  name  of  the  Most  High  to 
command  the  warriors  of  the  people. 

Miriam  turned  pale  and,  in  spite  of  the  steepness 
of  the  road,  pressed  her  husband  with  questions. 
When  she  heard  that  Joshua  was  resting  on  the  heights 
with  his  father  and  the  young  men  and  refreshing  them- 
selves with  wine,  and  that  Hur  had  promised  to  resign 
voluntarily,  if  Moses  desired  to  entrust  the  command  to 
him,  her  heavy  eye-brows  contracted  in  a  gloomy  frown 
beneath  her  broad  forehead  and,  with  curt  severity,  she 
exclaimed : 

"  You  are  my  lord,  and  it  is  not  seemly  for  me  to 
oppose  you,  not  even  if  you  forget  your  own  wife  so 
far  that  you  give  place  to  the  man  who  once  ventured 
to  raise  his  eyes  to  her." 


312  JOSHUA. 

"  He  no  longer  cares  for  you,"  Hur  eagerly  inter- 
rupted ;  "  nay,  were  I  to  give  you  a  letter  of  divorce, 
he  would  no  longer  desire  to  possess  you." 

"  Would  he  not  ?"  asked  Miriam  with  a  forced 
smile.  "  Do  you  owe  this  information  to  him  ?" 

"  He  has  devoted  himself,  body  and  soul,  to  the 
welfare  of  the  people  and  renounces  the  love  of 
woman,"  replied  Hur.  But  his  wife  exclaimed : 

"  Renunciation  is  easy,  where  desire  would  bring 
nothing  save  fresh  rejection  and  shame.  Not  to  him 
who,  in  the  hour  of  the  utmost  peril,  sought  aid  from 
the  Egyptians  is  the  honor  of  the  chief  command  of 
the  warriors  due,  but  rather  to  you,  who  led  the  tribes 
to  the  first  victory  at  the  store-house  in  Succoth  and  to 
whom  the  Lord  Himself,  through  Moses  His  servant, 
confided  the  command." 

Hur  looked  anxiously  at  the  woman  for  whom  a 
late,  fervent  love  had  fired  his  heart,  and  seeing  her 
glowing  cheeks  and  hurried  breathing,  knew  not 
whether  to  attribute  these  symptoms  to  the  steep  ascent 
or  to  the  passionate  ambition  of  her  aspiring  soul,  which 
she  now  transferred  to  him,  her  husband. 

That  she  held  him  in  so  much  higher  esteem  than 
the  younger  hero,  whose  return  he  had  dreaded,  pleased 
him,  but  he  had  grown  grey  in  the  strict  fulfilment  of 
duty,  and  would  not  deviate  from  what  he  considered 
right.  His  mere  hints  had  been  commands  to  the  wife 
of  his  youth  whom  he  had  borne  to  the  grave  a  lew 
years  before,  and  as  yet  he  had  encountered  no  oppo- 
sition from  Miriam.  That  Joshua  was  best  fitted  to 
command  the  fighting-men  of  the  people  was  unques- 
tionable, so  he  answered,  with  panting  breath,  for  the 
ascent  taxed  his  strength  also : 


JOSHUA.  313 

"  Your  good  opinion  is  an  honor  and  a  pleasure  to 
me;  but  even  should  Moses  and  the  elders  confer  the 
chief  command  upon  me,  remember  the  heap  of  stones 
at  Succoth  and  my  Vow.  I  have  ever  been  mindful  of 
and  shall  keep  it. 

Miriam  looked  angrily  aside,  and  said  nothing  more 
till  they  had  reached  the  summit  of  the  pass. 

The  victorious  youths  were  greeting  their  approach- 
ing kindred  with  loud  shouts. 

The  joy  of  meeting,  the  provisions  captured,  and 
the  drink  which,  though  sparingly  distributed,  was  di- 
vided among  the*  greatest  sufferers,  raised  the  drooping 
courage  of  the  exhausted  wayfarers ;  and  the  thirsting 
Hebrews  shortened  the  rest  at  the  summit  of  the  pass 
in  order  to  reach  Dophkah  more  quickly.  They  had 
heard  from  Joshua  that  they  would  find  there  not  only 
ruined  cisterns,  but  also  a  hidden  spring  whose  exist- 
ence had  been  revealed  to  him  by  the  ex-captain  of  the 
prisoners'  guards. 

The  way  led  down  the  mountain.  "  Haste  "  was 
the  watchword  of  the  fainting  Hebrews  on  their  way 
to  a  well ;  and  thus,  soon  after  sunset,  they  reached  the 
valley  of  the  turquoise  mines,  where  they  encamped 
around  the  hill  crowned  by  the  ruined  fortress  and 
burned  store-houses  of  Dophkah. 

The  spring  in  an  acacia  grove  dedicated  to  the 
goddess  Hathor  was  speedily  found,  and  fire  after  fire 
was  quickly  lighted.  The  wavering  hearts  which,  in 
the  desert  of  Sin,  had  been  on  the  verge  of  despair 
were  again  filled  with  the  anticipation  of  life,  hope, 
and  grateful  faith.  The  beautiful  acacias,  it  is  true, 
had  been  felled  to  afford  easier  access  to  the  spring 


314  JOSHUA. 

whose  refreshing  waters  had  effected  this  wonderful 
change. 

At  the  summit  of  the  pass  Joshua  and  Miriam  had 
met  again,  but  found  time  only  for  a  hasty  greeting. 
In  the  camp  they  were  brought  into  closer  relations. 

Joshua  had  appeared  among  the  people  with  his 
father.  The  heir  of  the  princely  old  man  who  was 
held  in  such  high  esteem  received  joyous  greetings 
from  all  sides,  and  his  counsel  to  form  a  vanguard  of 
the  youthful  warriors,  a  rear-guard  of  the  older  ones, 
and  send  out  chosen  bands  of  the  former  on  reconnoi- 
tering  expeditions  was  readily  adopted. 

He  had  a  right  to  say  that  he  was  familiar  with 
everything  pertaining  to  the  guidance  and  defence  of  a 
large  army.  God  Himself  had  entrusted  him  with  the 
chief  command,  and  Moses,  by  sending  him  the  mo- 
nition to  be  strong  and  steadfast,  had  confirmed  the 
office.  Hur,  too,  who  now  possessed  it,  was  willing  to 
transfer  it  to  him,  and  this  man's  promise  was  inviolable, 
though  he  had  omitted  to  repeat  it  in  the  presence  of 
the  elders.  Joshua  was  treated  as  if  he  held  the  chief 
command,  and  he  himself  felt  his  own  authority 
supreme. 

After  the  assembly  dispersed,  Hur  had  invited  him, 
spite  of  the  late  hour,  to  go  to  his  tent  and  the  warrior 
accompanied  him,  for  he  desired  to  talk  with  Miriam. 
He  would  show  her,  in  her  husband's  presence,  that  he 
had  found  the  path  which  she  had  so  zealously  pointed 
out  to  him. 

In  the  presence  of  another's  wife  the  tender  emotions 
of  a  Hebrew  were  silent.  Hur's  consort  must  be  made 
aware  that  he,  Joshua,  no  longer  cherished  any  love  for 


JOSHUA.  315 

her.  Even  in  his  solitary  hours,  he  had  wholly  ceased 
to  think  of  her. 

He  confessed  that  she  was  a  noble,  a  majestic 
woman,  but  the  very  memory  of  this  grandeur  now 
sent  a  chill  through  his  veins. 

Her  actions,  too,  appeared  in  a  new  light.  Nay, 
when  at  the  summit  of  the  pass  she  had  greeted  him 
with  a  cold  smile,  he  felt  convinced  that  they  were 
utterly  estranged  from  one  another,  and  this  feeling 
grew  stronger  and  stronger  beside  the  blazing  fire  in 
the  stately  tent  of  the  chief,  where  they  met  a  second 
time. 

The  rescued  Reuben  and  his  wife  Milcah  had  de- 
serted Miriam  long  before  and,  during  her  lonely 
waiting,  many  thoughts  had  passed  through  her  mind 
which  she  meant  to  impress  upon  the  man  to  whom 
she  had  granted  so  much  that  its  memory  now  weighed 
on  her  heart  like  a  crime. 

We  are  most  ready  to  be  angry  with  those  to  whom 
we  have  been  unjust,  and  this  woman  regarded  the 
gift  of  her  love  as  something  so  great,  so  precious,  that 
it  behooved  even  the  man  whom  she  had  rejected  never 
to  cease  to  remember  it  with  gratitude.  But  Joshua 
had  boasted  that  he  no  longer  desired,  even  were  she 
offered  to  him,  the  woman  whom  he  had  once  so  fer- 
vently loved  and  clasped  in  his  embrace.  Nay,  he  had 
confirmed  this  assertion  by  leisurley  waiting,  without 
seeking  her. 

At  last  he  came,  and  in  company  with  her  husband, 
who  was  ready  to  cede  his  place  to  him. 

But  she  was  present,  ready  to  watch  with  open 
eyes  for  the  welfare  of  the  too  generous  Hur. 

The  elderly  man,  to  whose  fate  she  had  linked  her 


316  JOSHUA. 

own,  and  whose  faithful  devotion  touched  her,  should' 
be  defrauded  by  no  rival  of  the  position  which  was  his 
due,  and  which  he  must  retain,  if  only  because  she 
rebelled  against  being  the  wife  of  a  man  who  could  no 
longer  claim  next  to  her  brothers  the  highest  rank  in 
the  tribes. 

Never  before  had  the  much-courted  woman,  who 
had  full  faith  in  her  gift  of  prophesy,  felt  so  bitter,  sore, 
and  irritated.  She  did  not  admit  it  even  to  herself,  yet 
it  seemed  as  if  the  hatred  of  the  Egyptians  with  which 
Moses  had  inspired  her,  and  which  was  now  futile,  had 
found  a  new  purpose  and  was  directed  against  the 
only  man  whom  she  had  ever  loved. 

But  a  true  woman  can  always  show  kindness  to 
everyone  whom  she  does  not  scorn,  so  though  she 
blushed  deeply  at  the  sight  of  the  man  whose  kiss  she 
had  returned,  she  received  him  cordially,  and  with 
sympathetic  questions. 

Meanwhile,  however,  she  addressed  him  by  his  for- 
mer name  Hosea,  and  when  he  perceived  it  was 
intentional,  he  asked  if  she  had  forgotten  that  it  was 
she  herself  who,  as  the  confidante  of  the  Most  High, 
had  commanded  him  henceforward  to  call  himself 
"Joshua." 

Her  features  grew  sharper  with  anxiety  as  she  re- 
plied that  her  memory  was  good  but  he  reminded  her 
of  a  time  which  she  would  prefer  to  forget.  He  had 
himself  forfeited  the  name  the  Lord  had  given  him  by 
preferring  the  favor  of  the  Egyptians  to  the  help  which 
God  had  promised.  Faithful  to  the  old  custom,  she 
would  continue  to  call  him  "  Hosea." 

The  honest-hearted  soldier  had  not  expected  such 
hostility,  but  he  maintained  a  tolerable  degree  of  com- 


JOSHUA.  317 

posure  and  answered  quietly  that  he  would  rarely  afford 
her  an  opportunity  to  address  him  by  this  or  any  other 
name.  Those  who  were  his  friends  readily  adopted 
that  of  Joshua. 

Miriam  replied  that  she,  too,  would  be  ready  to  do 
so  if  her  husband  approved  and  he  himself  insisted 
upon  it ;  for  the  name  was  only  a  garment.  Of  course 
offices  and  honors  were  another  matter. 

When  Joshua  then  declared  that  he  still  believed 
God  Himself  had  summoned  him,  through  the  lips  of  His 
prophetess,  to  command  the  Hebrew  soldiers  and  that 
he  would  admit  the  right  of  no  one  save  Moses  to  de- 
prive him  of  his  claim  to  this  office,  Hur  assented  and 
held  out  his  hand  to  him. 

Then  Miriam  dropped  the  restraint  she  had  hitherto 
imposed  on  herself  and,  with  defiant  eagerness,  con- 
tinued : 

"  There  I  am  of  a  different  opinion.  You  did  not  obey 
the  summons  of  the  Most  High.  Can  you  deny  this  ? 
And  when  the  Omnipresent  One  found  you  at  the  feet 
of  Pharaoh,  instead  of  at  the  head  of  His  people,  He 
deprived  you  of  the  office  with  which  He  had  entrusted 
you.  He,  the  mightiest  of  generals,  summoned  the  tem- 
pest and  the  waves,  and  they  swallowed  up  the  foe.  So 
perished  those  who  were  your  friends  till  their  heavy 
fetters  made  you  realize  their  true  disposition  toward 
you  and  your  race.  But  I,  meanwhile,  was  extolling  the 
mercy  of  the  Most  High,  and  the  people  joined  in  my 
hymn  of  praise.  On  that  very  day  the  Lord  summoned 
another  to  command  the  fighting-men  in  your  stead,  and 
that  other,  as  you  know,  is  my  husband.  If  Hur  has 
never  learned  the  art  of  war,  God  will  surely  guide  his 
arm,  and  it  is  He  and  none  other  who  bestows  victory. 


3*8  JOSHUA. 

My  husband — hear  it  again — is  the  sole  commander  of 
the  hosts  and  if,  in  the  abundance  of  his  generosity,  he 
has  forgotten  it,  he  will  retain  his  office  when  he  re- 
members whose  hand  chose  him,  and  when  I,  his  wife, 
raise  my  voice  and  recall  it  to  his  memory." 

Joshua  turned  to  go,  in  order  to  end  the  painful 
discussion,  but  Hur  detained  him,  protesting  that  he 
was  deeply  incensed  by  his  wife's  unseemly  interference  in 
the  affairs  of  men,  and  that  he  insisted  on  his  promise. 
"  A  woman's  disapproving  words  were  blown  away  by 
the  wind.  It  would  be  Moses'  duty  to  declare  whom 
Jehovah  had  chosen  to  be  commander." 

While  making  this  reply  Hur  had  gazed  at  his  wife 
with  stern  dignity,  as  if  admonishing  discretion,  and  the 
look  seemed  to  have  effected  its  purpose  ;  for  Miriam  had 
alternately  flushed  and  paled  as  she  listened  ;  nay,  she 
even  detained  the  guest  by  beckoning  him  with  a 
trembling  hand  to  approach,  as  though  she  desired  to 
soothe  him. 

"  Let  me  say  one  thing  more,"  she  began,  drawing 
a  long  breath,  "  that  you  may  not  misunderstand  my 
meaning.  I  call  everyone  our  friend  who  devotes  him- 
self to  the  cause  of  the  people,  and  how  self-sacrific- 
ingly  you  intend  to  do  this,  Hur  has  informed  me.  It 
was  your  confidence  in  Pharaoh's  favor  that  parted  us 
—  therefore  I  know  how  to  prize  your  firm  and  decisive 
breach  with  the  Egyptians,  but  I  did  not  correctly 
estimate  the  full  grandeur  of  this  deed  until  I  learned 
that  not  only  long  custom,  but  other  bonds,  united  you 
to  the  foe." 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words  ?"  replied 
Joshua,  convinced  that  she  had  just  fitted  to  the  bow- 
string another  shaft  intended  to  wound  him.  But 


JOSHUA.  319 

Miriam,  unheeding  the  question,  calmly  continued  with 
a  defiant  keenness  of  glance  that  contradicted  her 
measured  speech  : 

"  After  the  Lord's  guidance  had  delivered  us  from 
the  enemy,  the  Red  Sea  washed  ashore  the  most  beauti- 
ful woman  we  have  seen  for  a  long  time.  I  bandaged 
the  wound  a  Hebrew  woman  dealt  her  and  she  ac- 
knowledged that  her  heart  was  filled  with  love  for  you, 
and  that  on  her  dying  bed  she  regarded  you  as  the  idol 
of  her  soul." 

Joshua,  thoroughly  incensed,  exclaimed  : 

"  If  this  is  the  whole  truth,  wife  of  Hur,  my  father 
has  given  me  a  false  report ;  for  according  to  what  I 
heard  from  him,  the  hapless  woman  made  her  last  con- 
fession only  in  the  presence  of  those  who  love  me ;  not 
in  yours.  And  she  was  right  to  shun  you  —  you  would 
never  have  understood  her." 

Here  he  saw  a  smile  of  superiority  hover  around 
Miriam's  lips;  but  he  repelled  it,  as  he  went  on  : 

"Ah,  your  intellect  is  tenfold  keener  than  poor 
Kasana's  ever  was.  But  your  heart,  which  was  open 
to  the  Most  High,  had  no  room  for  love.  It  will  grow 
old  and  cease  to  beat  without  having  learned  the  feel- 
ing. And,  spite  of  your  flashing  eyes,  I  will  tell  you : 
you  are  more  than  a  woman,  you  are  a  prophetess.  I 
cannot  boast  of  gifts  so  lofty.  I  am  merely  a  plain 
man,  who  understands  the  art  of  fighting  better  than 
that  of  foretelling  the  future.  Yet  I  can  see  what  is  to 
come.  You  will  foster  the  hatred  of  me  that  glows  in 
your  breast,  and  will  also  implant  it  in  your  husband's 
heart  and  zealously  strive  to  fan  it  there.  And  I  know 
why.  The  fiery  ambition  which  consumes  you  will 
not  suffer  you  to  be  the  wife  of  a  man  who  is  second  to 


320  JOSHUA. 

any  other.  You  refuse  to  call  me  by  the  name  I  owe 
to  you.  But  if  hatred  and  arrogance  do  not  stifle  in 
your  breast  the  one  feeling  that  still  unites  us  —  love 
for  our  people,  the  day  will  come  when  you  will  volun- 
tarily approach  and,  unasked,  by  the  free  impulse  of 
your  heart,  call  me  'Joshua.'" 

With  these  words  he  took  -leave  of  Miriam  and  her 
husband  by  a  short  wave  of  the  hand,  and  vanished  in 
the  darkness  of  the  night. 

Hur  gazed  gloomily  after  him  in  silence  until  the 
footsteps  of  the  belated  guest  had  died  away  in  the 
sleeping  camp;  then  the  ill-repressed  wrath  of  the 
grave  man,  who  had  hitherto  regarded  his  young  wife 
with  tender  admiration,  knew  no  bounds. 

With  two  long  strides  he  stood  directly  before  her 
as  she  gazed  with  a  troubled  look  into  the  fire,  her  face 
even  paler  than  his  own.  His  voice  had  lost  its 
metallic  harmony,  and  sounded  shrill  and  sharp  as  he 
exclaimed : 

"  I  had  the  courage  to  woo  a  maiden  who  supposed 
herself  to  be  nearer  to  God  than  other  women,  and 
now  that  she  has  become  my  wife  she  makes  me  atone 
for  such  presumption." 

"  Atone  ?"  escaped  Miriam's  livid  lips,  and  a  defiant 
glance  blazed  at  him  from  her  black  eyes.  But,  undis- 
mayed, he  continued,  grasping  her  hand  with  so  firm  a 
pressure  that  it  hurt  her  : 

"  Aye,  you  make  me  atone  for  it !  —  Shame  on  me, 
if  I  permit  this  disgraceful  hour  to  be  followed  by 
similar  ones." 

Miriam  strove  to  wrest  her  hand  from  his  clasp,  but 
he  would  not  release  it,  and  went  on  : 
.    "  I  sought  you,  that  you  might  be  the  pride  o'f  my 


JOSHUA.  321 

house.  I  expected  to  sow  honor,  and  I  reap  disgrace; 
for  what  could  be  more  humiliating  to  a  man  than  to 
have  a  wife  who  rules  him,  who  presumes  to  wound 
with  hostile  words  the  heart  of  the  friend  who  is  pro- 
tected by  the  laws  of  hospitality  ?  A  woman  of 
different  mould,  a  simple-hearted,  upright  wife,  who 
looked  at  her  husband's  past  life,  instead  of  planning 
how  to  increase  his  greatness,  that  she  might  share  it 
with  him,  need  not  have  had  me  shout  into  her  ears 
that  Hur  has  garnered  honors  and  dignities  enough, 
during  his  long  existence,  to  be  able  to  spare  a  portion 
of  them  without  any  loss  of  esteem.  It  is  not  the  man 
who  holds  the  chief  command,  but  the  one  who  shows 
the  most  self-sacrificing  love  for  the  people  that  is 
greatest  in  the  eyes  of  Jehovah.  You  desire  a  high 
place,  you  seek  to  be  honored  by  the  multitude  as  one 
who  is  summoned  by  the  Lord.  I  shall  not  forbid  it, 
so  long  as  you  do  not  forget  what  the  duty  of  a  wife 
commands.  You  owe  me  love  also  ;  for  you  vowed  to 
give  it  on  your  marriage  day;  but  the  human  heart 
can  bestow  only  what  it  possesses,  and  Hosea  is  right 
when  he  says  that  love,  which  is  warm  itself  and  warms 
others,  is  a  feeling  alien  to  your  cold  nature." 

With  these  words  he  turned  his  back  upon  her  and 
went  to  the  dark  portion  of  the  tent,  while  Miriam  re- 
mained standing  by  the  fire,  whose  flickering  light 
illumined  her  beautiful,  pallid  face. 

With  clenched  teeth  and  hands  pressed  on  her 
heaving  bosom,  she  stood  gazing  at  the  spot  where  he 
had  disappeared. 

Her  grey-haired  husband  had  confronted  her  in  the 
full  consciousness  of  his  dignity,  a  noble  man  worthy  of 
reverence,  a  true,  princely  chief  of  his  tribe,  and  in- 


322  JOSHUA. 

finitely  her  superior.  His  every  word  had  pierced  her 
bosom  like  the  thrust  of  a  lance.  The  power  of  truth 
had  given  each  its  full  emphasis  and  held  up  to  Miriam 
a  mirror  that  showed  her  an  image  from  which  she 
shrank. 

Now  she  longed  to  rush  after  him  and  beg  him  to 
restore  the  love  with  which  he -had  hitherto  surrounded 
her  —  and  which  the  lonely  woman  had  gratefully  felt. 

She  knew  that  she  could  reciprocate  his  costly 
gift;  for  how  ardently  she  longed  to  have  one  kind, 
forgiving  word  from  his  lips. 

Her  soul  seemed  withered,  parched,  torpid,  like  a 
corn-field  on  which  a  poisonous  mildew  has  fallen ;  yet 
it  had  once  been  green  and  blooming. 

She  thought  of  the  tilled  fields  in  Goshen  which, 
after  having  borne  an  abundant  harvest,  remained  arid 
and  bare  till  the  moisture  of  the  river  came  to  soften 
the  soil  and  quicken  the  seed  which  it  had  received. 
So  it  had  been  with  her  soul,  only  she  had  flung  the 
ripening  grain  into  the  fire  and,  with  blasphemous  hand, 
erected  a  dam  between  the  fructifying  moisture  and  the 
dry  earth. 

But  there  was  still  time  ! 

She  knew  that  he  erred  in  one  respect;  she  knew 
she  was  like  all  other  women,  capable  of  yearning  with 
ardent  passion  for  the  man  she  loved.  It  depended 
solely  on  herself  to  make  him  feel  this  in  her  arms. 

Now,  it  is  true,  he  was  justified  in  thinking  her  harsh 
and  unfeeling,  for  where  love  had  once  blossomed  in 
her  soul,  a  spring  of  bitterness  now  gushed  forth  poison- 
ing all  it  touched. 

Was  this  the  vengeance  of  the  heart  whose  ardent 
wishes  she  had  heroically  slain  ? 


JOSHUA.  323 

God  had  disdained  her  sorest  sacrifice ;  this  it  was 
impossible  to  doubt ;  for  His  majesty  was  no  longer  re- 
vealed to  her  in  visions  that  exalted  the  heart,  and  she 
was  scarcely  entitled  to  call  herself  His  prophetess. 
This  sacrifice  had  led  her,  the  truth-loving  woman,  into 
falsehood  and  plunged  her  who,  in  the  consciousness  of 
seeking  the  right  path  lived  at  peace  with  herself,  into 
torturing  untrest.  Since  that  great  and  difficult  deed 
she,  who  had  once  been  full  of  hope,  had  obtained 
nothing  for  which  she  longed.  She,  who  recognized  no 
woman  as  her  superior,  had  been  obliged  to  yield  in 
shame  her  place  to  a  poor  dying  Egyptian.  She  had 
been  kindly  disposed  toward  all  who  were  of  her  blood, 
and  were  devoted  to  the  sacred  cause  of  her  people,  and 
now  her  hostile  bitterness  had  wounded  one  of  the  best 
and  noblest.  The  poorest  bondman's  wife  rejoiced  to 
bind  more  and  more  closely  the  husband  who  had  once 
loved  her  —  she  had  wickedly  estranged  hers. 

Seeking  protection  she  had  approached  his  hearth- 
stone shivering,  but  she  had  found  it  warmer  than  she 
had  hoped,  and  his  generosity  and  love  fell  upon  her 
wounded  soul  like  balm.  True,  he  could  not  restore 
what  she  had  lost,  but  he  could  give  a  welcome  com- 
pensation. 

Ah,  he  no  longer  believed  her  capable  of  a  tender 
emotion,  yet  she  needed  love  in  order  to  live,  and  no 
sacrifice  seemed  to  her  too  hard  to  regain  his.  But 
pride  was  also  a  condition  of  her  very  existence,  and 
whenever  she  prepared  to  humbly  open  her  heart  to  her 
husband,  the  fear  of  humiliating  herself  overpowered 
her,  and  she  stood  as  though  spell-bound  till  the  blazing 
wood  at  her  feet  fell  into  smoking  embers  and  darkness 
surrounded  her. 


324.  JOSHUA. 

Then  a  strange  anxiety  stole  over  her. 

Two  bats,  which  had  come  from  the  mines  and 
circled  round  the  fire  darted  past  her  like  ghosts. 
Everything  urged  her  back  to  the  tent,  to  her  husband, 
and  with  hasty  resolution  she  entered  the  spacious 
room  lighted  by  a  lamp.  But  it  was  empty,  and  the 
female  slave  who  received  her  said  that  Hur  would 
spend  the  time  until  the  departure  of  the  people  with 
his  son  and  grandson. 

A  keen  pang  pierced  her  heart,  and  she  lay  down 
to  rest  with  a  sense  of  helplessness  and  shame  which 
she  had  not  felt  since  her  childhood. 

A  few  hours  after  the  camp  was  astir  and  when  her 
husband,  in  the  grey  dawn  of  morning,  entered  the 
tent  with  a  curt  greeting  pride  again  raised  its 
head  and  her  reply  sounded  cold  and  formal. 

He  did  not  come  alone ;  his  son  Uri  was  with 
him. 

But  he  looked  graver  than  was  his  wont;  for  the 
men  of  Judah  had  assembled  early  and  adjured  him 
not  to  give  up  the  chief  command  to  any  man  who  be- 
longed to  another  tribe. 

This  had  been  unexpected.  He  had  referred  them 
to  Moses'  decision,  and  his  desire  that  it  might  be  ad- 
verse to  him  was  intensified,  as  his  young  wife's 
self-reliant  glance  stirred  fresh  wrath  in  his  soul. 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

EARLY  the  following  morning  the  people  resumed 
their  march   with   fresh  vigor  and  renewed  courage ; 


JOSHUA.  325 

but  the  little  spring  which,  by  digging,  had  at  last  been 
forced  to  flow  was  completely  exhausted. 

However,  its  refusal  to  bestow  a  supply  of  water  to 
take  with  them  was  of  no  consequence ;  they  expected 
to  find  another  well  at  Alush. 

The  sun  had  risen  in  radiant  majesty  in  a  cloudless 
sky.  The  light  showed  its  awakening  power  on  the 
hearts  of  men,  and  the  rocks  and  the  yellow  sand  of  the 
road  sparkled  like  the  blue  vault  above.  The  pure, 
light,  spicy  air  of  the  desert,  cooled  by  the  freshness  of 
the  night,  expanded  the  breasts  of  the  wayfarers,  and 
walking  became  a  pleasure. 

The  men  showed  greater  confidence,  and  the  eyes 
of  the  women  sparkled  more  brightly  than  they  had 
done  for  a  long  time ;  for  the  Lord  had  again  showed 
the  people  that  He  remembered  them  in  their  need; 
and  fathers  and  mothers  gazed  proudly  at  the  sons  who 
had  conquered  the  foe.  Most  of  the  tribes  had  greeted 
in  the  band  of  prisoners  some  one  who  had  long  been 
given  up  as  lost,  and  it  was  a  welcome  duty  to  make 
amends  for  the  injuries  the  terrible  forced  labor  had  in- 
flicted. There  was  special  rejoicing,  not  only  among 
the  Ephraimites,  but  everywhere,  over  the  return  of 
Joshua,  as  all,  save  the  men  of  the  tribe  of  Judah, 
now  called  him,  remembering  the  cheering  promise  the 
name  conveyed. 

The  youths  who  under  his  command  had  put  the 
Egyptians  to  rout,  told  their  relatives  what  manner  of 
man  the  son  of  Nun  was,  how  he  thought  of  every- 
thing and  assigned  to  each  one  the  place  for  which  he 
was  best  suited.  His  eye  kindled  the  battle  spirit  in 
every  one  on  whom  it  fell,  and  the  foe  retreated  at  his 
mere  war-cry. 

22 


326  JOSHUA. 

Those  who  spoke  of  old  Nun  and  his  grandson  also 
did  so  with  sparkling  eyes.  The  tribe  of  Ephraim, 
whose  lofty  pretensions  had  been  a  source  of  much 
vexation,  was  willingly  allowed  precedence  on  this 
march,  and  only  the  men  of  Judah  were  heard  to 
grumble.  Doubtless  there  was  reason  for  dissatisfaction ; 
for  Hur,  the  prince  of  their  tribe,  and  his  young  wife 
walked  as  if  oppressed  by  a  heavy  burden ;  whoever 
asked  them  anything  would  have  been  wiser  to  have 
chosen  another  hour. 

So  long  as  the  sun's  rays  were  oblique,  there  was 
still  a  little  shade  at  the  edge  of  the  sandstone  rocks 
which  bordered  the  road  on  both  sides  or  towered  aloft 
in  the  center;  and  as  the  sons  of  Korah  began  a  song 
of  praise,  young  and  old  joined  in,  and  most  gladly  and 
gratefully  of  all  Milcah,  now  no  longer  pale,  and 
Reuben,  her  happy,  liberated  husband. 

The  children  picked  up  golden-yellow  bitter  apples, 
which  having  fallen  from  the  withered  vines,  lay  by  the 
wayside  as  if  they  had  dropped  from  the  sky,  and 
brought  them  to  their  parents.  But  they  were  bitter  as 
gall  and  a  morose  old  man  of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun, 
who  nevertheless  kept  their  firm  shells  to  hold  oint- 
ment, said : 

"  These  are  a  symbol  of  to-day.  It  looks  pleasant 
now ;  but  when  the  sun  mounts  higher  and  we  find  no 
water,  we  shall  taste  the  bitterness." 

His  prediction  was  verified  only  too  soon ;  for  as 
the  road  which,  after  leaving  the  sandstone  region, 
began  to  lead  upward  through  a  rocky  landscape  which 
resembled  walls  of  red  brick  and  grey  stone,  grew 
steeper,  the  sun  rose  higher  and  higher  and  the  heat  of 
the  day  hourly  increased. 


JOSHUA.  327 

Never  had  the  sun  sent  sharper  arrows  upon  the 
travellers,  and  pitiless  was  their  fall  upon  bare  heads 
and  shoulders. 

Here  an  old  man,  yonder  a  younger  one,  sank 
prostrate  under  its  scorching  blaze  or,  supported  by 
his  friends,  staggered  on  raving  with  his  hand  pressed 
to  his  brow  like  a  drunken  man.  The  blistered  skin 
peeled  from  the  hands  and  faces  of  men  and  women, 
and  there  was  not  one  whose  palate  and  tongue  were 
not  parched  by  the  heat,  or  whose  vigorous  strength 
and  newly-awakened  courage  it  did  not  impair. 

The  cattle  moved  forward  with  drooping  heads  and 
dragging  feet  or  rolled  on  the  ground  till  the  shepherds' 
lash  compelled  them  to  summon  their  failing  powers. 

At  noon  the  people  were  permitted  to  rest,  but 
there  was  not  a  hand's  breadth  of  shade  where  they 
sought  repose.  Whoever  lay  down  in  the  noonday 
heat  found  fresh  tortures  instead  of  relief.  The  suf- 
ferers themselves  urged  a  fresh  start  for  the  spring  at 
Alush. 

Hitherto  each  day,  after  the  sun  had  begun  its 
course  toward  the  west  through  the  cloudless  sky  of 
the  desert,  the  heat  had  diminished,  and  ere  the  ap- 
proach of  twilight  a  fresher  breeze  had  fanned  the 
brow ;  but  to-day  the  rocks  retained  the  glow  of  noon- 
day for  many  hours,  until  a  light  cool  breeze  blew  from 
sea  at  the  west.  At  the  same  time  the  vanguard 
which,  by  Joshua's  orders,  preceded  the  travellers, 
halted,  and  the  whole  train  stopped. 

Men,  women,  and  children  fixed  their  eyes  and 
waved  hands,  staves,  and  crutches  toward  the  same 
spot,  where  the  gaze  was  spell-bound  by  a  wondrous 
spectacle  never  beheld  before. 


328  JOSHUA. 

A  cry  of  astonishment  and  admiration  echoed  from 
the  parched  weary  lips,  which  had  long  since  ceased  to 
utter  question  or  answer ;  and  it  soon  rang  from  rank  to 
rank,  from  tribe  to  tribe,  to  the  very  lepers  at  the  end 
of  the  procession  and  the  rear-guard  which  followed  it. 
One  touched  another,  and  whispered  a  name  familiar 
to  every  one,  that  of  the  sacred  mountain  where  the 
Lord  had  promised  Moses  to  "  bring  them  unto  a 
good  land  and  a  large,  unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk 
and  honey." 

No  one  had  told  the  weary  travellers,  yet  all  knew 
that  for  the  first  time  they  beheld  Horeb  and  the  peak 
of  Sinai,  the  most  sacred  summit  of  this  granite  range. 

Though  a  mountain,  it  was  also  the  throne  of  the 
omnipotent  God  of  their  fathers. 

The  holy  mountain  itself  seemed  at  this  hour  to  be 
on  fire  like  the  bush  whence  He  had  spoken  to  His 
chosen  servant.  Its  summit,  divided  into  seven  peaks, 
towered  majestically  aloft  in  the  distance,  dominating 
the  heights  and  valleys  far  and  near,  glowing  before  the 
people  like  a  giant  ruby,  irradiated  by  the  light  of  a 
conflagration  which  was  consuming  the  world. 

No  eye  had  ever  beheld  a  similar  spectacle.  Then 
the  sun  sank  lower  and  lower,  till  it  set  in  the  sea 
concealed  behind  the  mountains.  The  glowing  ruby 
was  transformed  into  a  dark  amethyst,  and  at  last  as- 
sumed the  deep  hue  of  a  violet;  but  the  eyes  of  the 
people  continued  to  dwell  on  the  sacred  scenes  as 
though  spell-bound.  Nay,  when  the  day-star  had  com- 
pletely disappeared,  and  its  reflection  gilded  a  long 
cloud  with  shining  edges,  their  eyes  dilated  still  more, 
for  a  man  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  overwhelmed  by 
the  grandeur  of  the  spectacle,  beheld  in  it  the  floating 


JOSHUA.  329 

gold-bordered  mantle  of  Jehovah,  and  the  neighbors  to 
whom  he  showed  it,  believed  him,  and  shared  his  pious 
excitement. 

This  inspiring  sight  had  made  the  Hebrews  for  a 
short  time  forget  thirst  and  weariness.  But  the  highest 
exaltation  was  soon  to  be  transformed  into  the  deepest 
discouragement;  for  when  night  closed  in  and  Alush 
was  reached  after  a  short  march  it  appeared  that  the 
desert  tribe  which  dwelt  there,  ere  striking  their  tents 
the  day  before,  had  filled  the  brackish  spring  with 
pebbles  and  rubbish. 

Everything  fit  to  drink  which  had  been  brought 
with  them  had  been  consumed  at  Dophkah,  and  the  ex- 
hausted spring  at  the  mines  had  afforded  no  water  to 
fill  the  skins.  Thirst  not  only  parched  their  palates  but 
began  to  fever  their  bowels.  Their  dry  throats  refused 
to  receive  the  solid  food  of  which  there  was  no  lack. 

Scenes  that  could  not  fail  to  rouse  both  ruth  and 
anger  were  seen  and  heard  on  all  sides. 

Here  men  and  women  raved  and  swore,  wailed  and 
moaned,  yonder  they  gave  themselves  up  to  dull 
despair.  Others,  whose  crying  children  shrieked  for 
water,  had  gone  to  the  choked  spring  and  were  quar- 
relling around  a  little  spot  on  the  ground,  whence  they 
hoped  to  collect  a  few  drops  of  the  precious  fluid  in  a 
shallow  dish.  The  cattle,  too,  lowed  so  mournfully  and 
beseechingly  that  it  pierced  the  shepherds'  hearts  like  a 
reproach. 

Few  took  the  trouble  to  pitch  a  tent.  The  night 
was  so  warm,  and  the  sooner  they  pressed  forward 
the  better,  for  Moses  had  promised  to  join  them  a 
few  leagues  hence.  He  alone  could  aid,  it  was  his 
duty  to  protect  man  and  beast  from  perishing. 


330  JOSHUA. 

If  the  God  who  had  promised  them  such  splendid 
gifts  left  them  to  die  in  the  wilderness  with  their  cattle, 
the  man  to  whose  guidance  they  had  committed  them- 
selves was  a  cheat;  and  the  God  whose  might  and 
mercy  he  never  ceased  extolling  was  more  false  and 
powerless  than  the  idols  with  heads  of  human  beings 
and  animals,  to  whom  they  had  prayed  in  Egypt. 

Threats,  too,  were  loudly  uttered  amid  curses  and. 
blasphemies.  Wherever  Aaron,  who  had  returned  to 
the  people,  appeared  and  addressed  them,  clenched 
fists  were  stretched  toward  him. 

Miriam,  too,  by  her  husband's  bidding,  was  com- 
pelled to  desist  from  comforting  the  women  with  sooth- 
ing words,  after  a  mother  whose  infant  was  expiring  at 
her  dry  breast,  picked  up  a  stone  and  others  followed 
her  example. 

Old  Nun  and  his  son  found  more  attentive  hearers. 

Both  agreed  that  Joshua  must  fight,  no  matter  in 
what  position  Moses  placed  him;  but  Hur  himself  led 
him  to  the  warriors,  who  joyously  greeted  him. 

Both  the  old  man  and  the  younger  one  understood 
how  to  infuse  confidence.  They  told  them  of  the  well- 
watered  oasis  of  the  Amalekites,  which  was  not  far 
distant,  and  pointed  to  the  weapons  in  their  hands, 
with  which  the  Lord  Himself  had  furnished  them.  • 

Joshua  assured  them  that  they  greatly  outnumbered 
the  warriors  of  the  desert  tribe.  If  the  young  men 
bore  themselves  as  bravely  as  they  had  done  at  the 
copper  mines  and  at  Dophkah,  with  God's  aid  the  vic- 
tory would  be  theirs. 

After  midnight  Joshua,  having  taken  counsel  with 
the  elders,  ordered  the  trumpets  which  summoned  the 
fighting-men  to  be  sounded.  Under  the  bright  starry 


JOSHUA.  331 

sky  he  reviewed  them,  divided  them  into  bands,  gave 
to  each  a  fitting  leader,  and  impressed  upon  them  the 
importance  of  the  orders  they  were  to  obey. 

They  had  assembled  torpidly,  half  dead  with  thirst, 
but  the  new  occupation  to  which  their  sturdy  com- 
mander urged  them,  the  hope  of  victory,  and  the  great 
value  of  the  prize :  a  piece  of  land  at  the  foot  of  the 
sacred  mountain,  rich  in  springs  and  palm-trees,  won- 
derfully strengthened  their  lost  energy. 

Ephraim  was  among  them  animating  others  by  his 
tireless  vigor.  But  when  the  ex-chief  of  the  Egyptians  — 
whom  the  Lord  had  already  convinced  that  He  con- 
sidered him  worthy  of  the  aid  his  name  promised  — 
adjured  them  to  rely  on  God's  omnipotence,  his  words 
produced  a  very  different  effect  from  those  uttered  by 
Aaron  whose  monitions  they  had  heard  daily  since 
their  departure. 

When  Joshua  had  spoken,  many  youthful  lips,  though 
parched  with  thirst,  shouted  enthusiastically  : 

"  Hail  to  the  chief!  You  are  our  captain  ;  we  will 
obey  no  other." 

But  he  now  explained  gravely  and  resolutely  that 
the  obedience  he  exacted  from  them  he  intended  to 
practise  rigidly  himself.  He  would  willingly  take  the 
last  place  in  the  ranks,  if  such  was  the  command  of 
Moses. 

The  stars  were  still  shining  brightly  in  a  cloudless 
sky  when  the  sound  of  the  horns  warned  the  people 
to  set  out  on  their  march.  Meanwhile  the  vanguard 
had  been  sent  forward  to  inform  Moses  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  tribes,  and  after  the  review  was  over, 
Ephraim  followed  them. 

During  the  march  Joshua  kept  the  warriors  together 


332  JOSHUA. 

as  closely  as  though  an  attack  might  be  expected; 
profiting  meanwhile  by  every  moment  to  give  the  men 
and  their  captains  instructions  for  the  coming  battle, 
to  inspect  them,  and  range  their  ranks  in  closer  order. 
Thus  he  kept  them  and  their  attention  on  the  alert  till 
the  stars  paled. 

Opposition  or  complaint  was  rare  among  the  war- 
riors, but  the  murmurs,  curses,  and  threats  grew  all  the 
louder  among  those  who  bore  no  weapons.  Even  be- 
fore the  grey  dawn  of  morning  the  thirsting  men,  whose 
knees  trembled  with  weakness,  and  who  beheld  close 
before  their  eyes  the  suffering  of  their  wives  and 
children,  shouted  more  and  more  frequently  : 

"  On  to  Moses !  We'll  stone  him  when  we  find 
him !" 

Many,  with  loud  imprecations  and  flashing  eyes, 
picked  up  bits  of  rock  along  the  road,  and  the  fury  of 
the  multitude  at  last  expressed  itself  so  fiercely  and 
passionately  that  Hur  took  counsel  with  the  well-dis- 
posed among  the  elders,  and  then  hurried  forward  with 
the  fighting-men  of  Judah  to  protect  Moses,  in  case  of 
extremity,  from  the  rebels  by  force  of  arms. 

Joshua  was  commissioned  to  detain  the  bands  of 
rioters  who,  amid  threats  and  curses,  were  striving  to 
force  their  way  past  the  warriors. 

When  the  sun  at  last  rose  with  dazzling  splendor, 
the  march  had  become  a  pitiful  creeping  and  tottering 
onward.  Even  the  soldiers  moved  as  though  they 
were  paralysed.  Only  when  the  rebels  tried  to  press 
onward,  they  did  their  duty  and  forced  them  back  with 
swords  and  lances. 

On  both  sides  of  the  valley  through  which  the 
Hebrews  were  passing  towered  lofty  cliffs  of  grey 


JOSHUA.  333 

granite,  which  glittered  and  flashed  marvellously  when 
the  slanting  sunbeams  struck  the  bits  of  quartz  thickly 
imbedded  in  the  primeval  rock. 

At  noon  the  heat  could  not  fail  to  be  scorching 
again  between  the  bare  precipices  which  in  many 
places  jutted  very  near  one  another;  but  the  coolness 
of  the  morning  still  lingered.  The  cattle  at  least  found 
some  refreshment ;  for  many  a  bush  of  the  juicy,  fra- 
grant betkaran*  afforded  them  food,  and  the  shepherd- 
lads  lifted  their  short  frocks,  filled  the  aprons  thus  made 
with  them  and,  spite  of  their  own  exhaustion,  held 
them  up  to  the  hungry  mouths  of  the  animals. 

•They  had  passed  an  hour  in  this  way,  when  a  loud 
shout  of  joy  suddenly  rang  out,  passing  from  the  van- 
guard through  rank  after  rank  till  it  reached  the  last 
man  in  the  rear. 

No  one  had  heard  in  words  to  what  event  it  was 
due,  yet  every  one  knew  that  it  meant  nothing  else 
than  the  discovery  of  fresh  water. 

Ephraim  now  returned  to  confirm  the  glad  tidings, 
and  what  an  effect  it  produced  upon  the  discouraged 
hearts ! 

They  straightened  their  bent  figures  and  struggled 
onward  with  redoubled  speed,  as  if  they  had  already- 
drained  the  water  jar  in  long  draughts.  The  bands  of 
fighting-men  put  no  farther  obstacles  in  their  way, 
and  joyously  greeted  those  who  crowded  past  them. 

But  the  swiftly  flowing  throng  was  soon  dammed ; 
for  the  spot  which  afforded  refreshment  detained  the 
front  ranks,  which  blocked  the  whole  procession  as 
thoroughly  as  a  wall  or  moat. 

The  multitude  became  a  mighty  mob  that  filled  the 

*  Cantolina  fragrantissima. 


334  JOSHUA. 

valley.  At  last  men  and  women,  with  joyous  faces, 
appeared  bearing  full  jars  and  pails  in  their  hands  and 
on  their  heads,  beckoning  gaily  to  their  friends,  shouting 
words  of  cheer,  and  trying  to  force  their  way  through 
the  crowd  to  their  relatives ;  but  many  had  the  precious 
liquid  torn  from  them  by  force  ere  they  reached  their 
destination. 

Joshua  and  his  band  had  forced  their  way  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  spring,  to  maintain  order  among 
the  greedy  drawers  of  water;  But  they  were  obliged 
to  have  patience  for  a  time,  for  the  strong  men  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah,  with  whom  Hur  had  led  the  way  in 
advance  of  all  the  rest,  were  still  swinging  their  axes 
and  straining  at  the  levers  hastily  prepared  from  the 
trunks  of  the  thorny  acacias  to  move  huge  blocks  out 
of  the  way  and  widen  the  passage  to  the  flow  of  water 
that  was  gushing  from  several  clefts  in  the  rock. 

At  first  the  spring  had  lost  itself  in  a  heap  of  moss- 
covered  granite  blocks  and  afterwards  in  the  earth ;  but 
now  the  overflow  and  trickling  away  of  the  precious 
fluid  had  been  stopped  and  a  reservoir  formed  whence 
the  cattle  also  could  drink. 

Whoever  had  already  succeeded  in  filling  a  jar 
had  obtained  the  water  from  the  overflow  which  had 
escaped  through  the  quickly-made  dam.  Now  the 
men  appointed  to  guard  the  camp  were  keeping  every 
one  back  to  give  the  water  in  the  large  new  reservoir 
into  which  it  flowed  in  surprising  abundance,  time  to 
grow  clear. 

In  the  presence  of  the  gift  of  God  for  which  they 
had  so  passionately  shouted,  it  was  easy  to  be  patient. 
They  had  discovered  the  treasure  and  only  needed  to 
preserve  it.  No  word  of  discontent,  murmuring,  or  re- 


JOSHUA.  335 

viling  was  heard;  nay,  many  looked  with  shame  and 
humiliation  at  the  new  gift  of  the  Most  High. 

Loud,  gladsome  shouts  and  words  echoed  from  the 
distance;  but  the  man  of  God,  who  knew  better  than 
any  one  else,  the  valleys  and  rocks,  pastures  and 
springs  of  the  Horeb  region  and  had  again  obtained  so 
great  a  blessing  for  the  people,  had  retired  into  a  neigh- 
boring ravine;  he  was  seeking  refuge  from  the  thanks 
and  greetings  which  rose  with  increasing  enthusiasm 
from  ever  widening  circles,  and  above  all  peace  and 
calmness  for  his  own  deeply  agitated  soul. 

Soon  fervent  hymns  of  praise  to  the  Lord  sounded 
from  the  midst  of  the  refreshed,  reinvigorated  bands 
overflowing  with  ardent  gratitude,  who  had  never  en- 
camped richer  in  hope  and  joyous  confidence. 

Songs,  merry  laughter,  jests,"  and  glad  shouts  ac- 
companied the  pitching  of  every  tent,  and  the  camp 
sprung  up  as  quickly  as  if  it  had  been  conjured  from 
the  earth  by  some  magic  spell. 

The  eyes  of  the  young  men  sparkled  with  eagerness 
for  the  fray,  and  many  a  head  of  cattle  was  slaugh- 
tered to  make  the  meal  a  festal  banquet. —  Mothers  who 
had  done  their  duty  in  the  camp,  leading  their  children 
by  the  hand  went  to  the  spring  and  showed  them  the 
spot  where  Moses'  staff  had  pointed  out  to  his  people 
the  water  gushing  from  the  clefts  in  the  granite. 
Many  men  also  stood  with  hands  and  eyes  uplifted 
around  the  place  where  Jehovah  had  shown  Himself  so 
merciful  to  His  people ;  among  them  many  a  rebel  who 
had  stooped  for  the  bit  of  rock  with  which  he  meant  to 
stone  the  trusted  servant  of  God.  No  one  doubted 
that  a  new  and  great  miracle  had  been  performed. 

Old  people  enjoined  the  young  never  to  forget  this 


336  JOSHUA. 

day  and  this  drink,  and  a  grandmother  sprinkled  her 
grandchildren's  brows  at  the  edge  of  the  spring  with 
water  to  secure  for  them  divine  protection  throughout 
their  future  lives. 

Hope,  gratitude,  and  warm  confidence  reigned 
wherever  the  gaze  was  turned,  even  fear  of  the  warlike 
sons  of  Amalek  had  vanished ;  for  what  evil  could  befall 
those  who  trusted  to  the  favor  of  such  an  Omnipotent 
Defender. 

One  tent  alone,  the  stateliest  of  all,  that  of  the 
prince  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  did  not  share  the  joy  of 
the  others. 

Miriam  sat  alone  among  her  women,  after  having 
silently  served  the  meal  to  the  men  who  were  overflow- 
ing with  grateful  enthusiasm ;  she  had  learned  from 
Reuben,  Milcah's  husband,  that  Moses  had  given  to 
Joshua  in  the  presence  of  all  the  elders,  the  office  of 
commander-in-chief.  Hur,  her  husband,  she  had  heard 
farther,  had  joyfully  yielded  the  guidance  of  the  war- 
riors to  the  son  of  Nun. 

This  time  the  prophetess  had  held  aloof  from  the 
people's  hymns  of  praise.  When  Milcah  and  her 
women  had  urged  her  to  accompany  them  to  the 
spring,  she  had  commanded  the  petitioners  to  go  alone. 

She  was  expecting  her  husband  and  wished  to  greet 
him  alone;  she  must  show  him  that  she  desired  his 
forgiveness.  But  he  did  not  return  home ;  for  after  the 
council  of  the  elders  had  separated,  he  helped  the  new 
commander  to  marshal  the  soldiers  and  did  so  as  an 
assistant,  subordinate  to  Hosea,  who  owed  to  her  his 
summons  and  the  name  of  Joshua. 

Her  servants,  who  had  returned,  were  now  drawing 
threads  from  the  distafif:  but  this  humble  toil  was  dis- 


JOSHUA.  337 

tasteful  to  her,  and  while  she  let  her  hands  rest  and 
gazed  idly  into  vacancy,  the  hours  dragged  slowly 
along,  while  she  felt  her  resolution  of  meekly  ap- 
proaching her  husband  become  weaker  and  weaker. 
She  longed  to  pray  for  strength  to  bow  before  the  man 
who  was  her  lord  and  master;  but  the  prophetess,  who 
was  accustomed  to  fervent  pleading,  could  not  find 
inspiration.  Whenever  she  succeeded  in  collecting 
her  thoughts  and  uplifting  her  heart,  she  was  disturbed. 
Each  fresh  report  that  reached  her  from  the  camp  in- 
creased her  displeasure.  When  evening  at  last  closed 
in,  a  messenger  arrived  and  told  her  not  to  prepare  the 
supper  which,  however,  had  long  stood  ready.  Hur, 
his  son,  and  grandson  had  accepted  the  invitation  of 
Nun  and  Joshua. 

It  was  a  hard  task  for  her  to  restrain  her  tears. 
But  had  she  permitted  them  to  flow  uncontrolled,  they 
would  have  been  those  of  wrath  and  insulted  womanly 
dignity,  not  of  grief  and  longing. 

During  the  hours  of  the  evening  watch  soldiers 
marched  past,  and  from  troop  after  troop  cheers  for 
Joshua  reached  her. 

Even  when  the  words  "strong  and  steadfast!"  were 
heard,  they  recalled  the  man  who  had  once  been  dear 
to  her,  and  whom  now  —  she  freely  admitted  it  —  she 
hated.  The  men  of  his  own  tribe  only  had  honored 
her  husband  with  a  cheer.  Was  this  fitting  gratitude 
for  the  generosity  with  which  he  had  divested  himself, 
for  the  sake  of  the  younger  man,  of  a  dignity  that  be- 
longed to  him  alone  ?  To  see  her  husband  thus 
slighted  pierced  her  to  the  heart  and  caused  her  more 
pain  than  Hur's  leaving  her,  his  newly-wedded  wife,  to 
solitude. 


338  JOSHUA. 

The  supper  before  the  tent  of  the  Ephraimites 
lasted  a  long  time.  Miriam  sent  her  women  to  rest 
before  midnight,  and  lay  down  to  await  Hur's  return 
and  to  confess  to  him  all  that  had  wounded  and  angered 
her,  everything  for  which  she  longed. 

She  thought  it  would  be  an  easy  matter  to  keep 
awake  while  suffering  such  mental  anguish.  But  the 
great  fatigues  and  excitements  of  the  last  few  days 
asserted  their  rights,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  prayer  for 
humility  and  her  husband's  love  sleep  overpowered  her. 
At  last,  at  the  time  of  the  first  morning  watch,  just  as 
day  was  dawning,  the  sound  of  trumpets  announcing 
peril  close  at  hand,  startled  her  from  sleep. 

She  rose  hurriedly  and  glancing  at  her  husband's 
couch  found  it  empty.  But  it  had  been  used,  and  on 
the  sandy  soil  —  for  mats  had  been  spread  only  in  the 
living  room  of  the  tent  —  she  saw  close  beside  her  own 
bed  the  prints  of  Hur's  footsteps. 

So  he  had  stood  close  by  it  and  perhaps,  while  she 
was  sleeping,  gazed  yearningly  into  her  face. 

Ay,  this  had  really  happened;  her  old  female  slave 
told  her  so  unasked.  After  she  had  roused  Hur,  she 
had  seen  him  hold  the  light  cautiously  so  that  it  illu- 
mined Miriam's  face  and  then  stoop  over  her  a  long 
time  as  if  to  kiss  her. 

This  was  good  news,  and  so  rejoiced  the  solitary 
woman  that  she  forgot  the  formality  which  was  peculiar 
to  her  and  pressed  her  lips  to  the  wrinkled  brow  of  the 
crooked  little  crone  who  had  served  her  parents.  Then 
she  had  her  hair  arranged,  donned  the  light-blue  festal 
robe  Hur  had  given  her,  and  hurried  out  to  bid  him 
farewell. 

Meanwhile  the  troops  had  formed  in  battle  array. 


JOSHUA.  339 

The  tents  were  being  struck  and  for  a  long  time  Miriam 
vainly  sought  her  husband.  At  last  she  found  him; 
but  he  was  engaged  in  earnest  conversation  with 
Joshua,  and  when  she  saAV  the  latter  a  chill  ran  through 
the  prophetess'  blood,  and  she  could  not  bring  herself 
to  approach  the  men. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

A  SEVERE  struggle  was  impending;  for  as  the  spies 
reported,  the  Amalekites  had  been  joined  by  other  desert 
tribes.  Nevertheless  the  Hebrew  troops  were  twice 
their  number.  But  how  greatly  inferior  in  warlike  skill 
were  Joshua's  bands  to  the  foes  habituated  to  battle 
and  attack. 

The  enemy  was  advancing  from  the  south,  from 
the  oasis  at  the  foot  of  the  sacred  mountain,  which  was 
the  ancient  home  of  their  race,  their  supporter,  the  fair 
object  of  their  love,  their  all,  well  worthy  that  they 
should  shed  their  last  drop  of  blood  in  her  defence. 

Joshua,  now  recognized  by  Moses  and  the  whole 
Hebrew  people  as  the  commander  of  the  fighting-men, 
led  his  new-formed  troops  to  the  widest  portion  of  the 
valley,  which  permitted  him  to  derive  more  advantage 
from  the  superior  number  of  his  force. 

He  ordered  the  camp  to  be  broken  up  and  again 
pitched  in  a  narrower  spot  on  the  plain  of  Rephidim 
at  the  northern  end  of  the  battle-field,  where  it  would 
be  easier  to  defend  the  tents.  The  command  of  this 
camp  and  the  soldiers  left  for  its  protection  he  confided 
to  his  cautious  father. 


340  JOSHUA. 

He  had  wished  to  leave  Moses  and  the  older  princes 
of  the  tribes  within  the  precincts  of  the  well-guarded 
camp,  but  the  great  leader  of  the  people  had  anticipated 
him  and,  with  Hur  and  Aaron,  had  climbed  a  granite 
cliff  from  whose  lofty  summit  the  battle  could  be  wit- 
nessed. So  the  combatants  saw  Moses  and  his  two 
companions  on  the  peak  dominating  the  valley,  and 
knew  that  the  trusted  servant  of  the  Most  High  would 
not  cease  to  commend  their  cause  to  Him  and  pray 
for  their  success  and  deliverance. 

But  every  private  soldier  in  the  army,  every  woman 
and  old  man  in  the  camp  knew  how  to  find  the  God 
of  their  fathers  in  this  hour  of  peril,  and  the  \var-cry 
Joshua  had  chosen  :  "  Jehovah  our  standard  !"  bound 
the  hearts  of  the  warriors  to  the  Ruler  of  Battles,  and 
reminded  the  most  despairing  and  untrained  Hebrew 
that  he  could  take  no  step  and  deal  no  blow  which 
the  Lord  did  not  guide. 

The  trumpets  and  horns  of  the  Hebrews  sounded 
louder  and  louder;  for  the  Amalekites  were  pressing 
into  the  plain  which  was  to  be  the  scene  of  the  battle. 

It  was  a  strange  place  of  conflict,  which  the  experi- 
enced soldier  would  never  have  selected  voluntarily ; 
for  it  was  enclosed  on  both  sides  by  lofty,  steep,  grey 
granite  cliffs.  If  the  enemy  conquered,  the  camp  would 
be  lost,  and  the  aids  the  art  of  war  afforded  must  be 
used  within  the  smallest  conceivable  space. 

To  make  a  circuit  round  the  foe  or  attack  him  un- 
expectedly in  the  flank  seemed  impossible ;  but  the 
rocks  themselves  were  made  to  serve  Joshua ;  for  he 
had  commanded  his  skilful  slingers  and  trained  archers 
to  climb  the  precipices  to  a  moderate  height  and  wait 
for  the  signal  when  they  were  to  mingle  in  the  battle. 


JOSHUA.  341 

At  the  first  glance  Joshua  perceived  that  he  had  not 
overestimated  the  foe ;  for  those  who  began  the  fray 
were  bearded  men  with  bronzed,  keen,  manly  features) 
whose  black  eyes  blazed  with  the  zest  of  battle  and 
fierce  hatred  of  the  enemy. 

Like  their  grey-haired,  scarred  leader,  all  were 
slenderly  formed  and  lithe  of  limb.  They  swung,  like 
trained  warriors,  the  brazen  sickle-shaped  sword,  the 
curved  shield  of  heavy  wood,  or  the  lance  decked  be- 
low its  point  with  a  bunch  of  camel's  hair.  The  war- 
cry  rang  loud,  fierce,  and  defiant,  from  the  steadfast 
breasts  of  these  sons  of  the  desert,  who  must  either 
conquer  or  lose  their  dearest  possession. 

The  first  assault  was  met  by  Joshua  at  the  head  of 
men,  whom  he  had  armed  with  the  heavy  shields  and 
lances  of  the  Egyptians ;  incited  by  their  brave  leader 
they  resisted  a  long  time  —  while  the  narrow  entrance 
to  the  battle  field  prevented  the  savage  foe  from  using 
his  full  strength. 

But  when  the  foe  on  foot  retreated,  and  a  band  of 
warriors  mounted  on  swift  dromedaries  dashed  upon 
the  Hebrews  many  were  terrified  by  the  strange  aspect 
of  the  huge  unwieldy  beasts,  known  to  them  only  by 
report. 

With  loud  outcries  they  flung  down  their  shields 
and  fled.  Wherever  a  gap  appeared  in  the  ranks  the 
rider  of  a  dromedary  urged  it  in,  striking  downward 
with  his  long  keen  weapon  at  the  foe.  The  shepherds, 
unused  to  such  assaults,  thought  only  of  securing  their 
own  safety,  and  many  turned  to  fly ;  for  sudden  terror 
seized  them  as  they  beheld  the  flaming  eyes  or  heard 
the  shrill,  fierce  shriek  of  one  of  the  infuriated  Amale- 
kite  women,  who  had  entered  the  battle  to  fire  the 
23 


342  JOSHUA. 

courage  of  their  husbands  and  terrify  the  foe.  Cling- 
ing with  the  left  hand  to  leather  thongs  that  hung  from 
the  saddles,  they  allowed  themselves  to  be  dragged 
along  by  the  hump-backed  beasts  wherever  they  were 
guided.  Hatred  seemed  to  have  steeled  the  weak 
women's  hearts  against  the  fear  of  death,  pity,  and 
feminine  dread;  and  the  furious  yells  of  these  Megaerae 
destroyed  the  courage  of  many  of  the  braver  He- 
brews. 

But  scarcely  did  Joshua  see  his  men  yield  than, 
profiting  by  the  disaster,  he  commanded  them  to  retreat 
still  farther  and  give  the  foe  admittance  to  the  valley ; 
for  he  told  himself  that  he  could  turn  the  superior  num- 
ber of  his  forces  to  better  account  as  soon  as  it  was 
possible  to  press  the  enemy  in  front  and  on  both  sides  at 
the  same  time,  and  allow  the  slingers  and  bowmen  to 
take  part  in  the  fray. 

Ephraim  and  his  bravest  comrades,  who  surrounded 
him  as  messengers,  were  now  despatched  to  the  northern 
end  of  the  valley  to  inform  the  captains  of  the  troops 
stationed  there  of  Joshua's  intention  and  command 
them  to  advance. 

The  swift-footed  shepherd  lads  darted  off  as  nimbly 
as  gazelles,  and  it  was  soon  evident  that  the  commander 
had  adopted  the  right  course  for,  as  soon  as  the 
Amalekites  reached  the  center  of  the  valley,  they  were 
attacked  on  all  sides,  and  many  who  boldly  rushed 
forward  fell  on  the  sand  while  still  waving  sword  or 
lance,  struck  by  the  round  stones  or  keen  arrows  dis- 
charged by  the  slingers  and  archers  stationed  on  the 
cliffs. 

Meanwhile  Moses,  with  Aaron  and  Hur,  remained 
on  the  cliff  overlooking  the  battle-field. 


JOSHUA.  343 

Thence  the  former  watched  the  conflict  in  which, 
grown  grey  in  the  arts  of  peace,  he  shared  only  with 
his  heart  and  soul. 

No  movement,  no  uplifted  or  lowered  sword  of 
friend  or  foe  escaped  his  watchful  gaze;  but  when  the 
attack  began  and  the  commander,  with  wise  purpose, 
left  the  way  to  the  heart  of  his  army  open  to  the 
enemy,  Hur  exclaimed  to  the  grey-haired  man  of 
God: 

"  The  lofty  intellect  of  my  wife  and  your  sister  per- 
ceived the  right  course.  The  son  of  Nun  is  unworthy 
of  the  summons  of  the  Most  High.  What  strategy ! 
Our  force  is  superior,  yet  the  foe  is  pressing  unimpeded 
into  the  midst  of  the  army.  Our  troops  are  dividing 
as  the  waters  of  the  Red  Sea  parted  at  God's  command, 
and  apparently  by  their  leader's  order." 

"To  swallow  up  the  Amalekites  as  the  waves  of 
the  sea  engulfed  the  Egyptians,"  was  Moses'  answer. 

Then,  stretching  his  arms  toward  heaven,  he  cried : 

"  Look  down,  Jehovah,  upon  Thy  people  who  are 
in  fresh  need.  Steel  the  arm  and  sharpen  the  eyes  of 
him  whom  Thou  didst  choose  for  Thy  sword  !  Lend 
him  the  help  Thou  didst  promise,  when  Thou  didst 
name  him  Joshua !  And  if  it  is  no  longer  Thy  will 
that  he  who  shows  himself  strong  and  steadfast,  as  be- 
seemc  Thy  capUin,  should  lead  our  forces  to  the  battle, 
place  Thyself,  with  the  hosts  of  Heaven,  at  the  head  of 
Thy  people,  that  they  may  crush  their  foes." 

Thus  the  man  of  God  prayed  with  arms  uplifted, 
never  ceasing  to  beseech  and  appeal  to  God,  whose 
lofty  will  guided  his  own,  and  soon  Aaron  whispered 
that  their  foes  were  sore  beset  and  the  Hebrews' 
courage  was  showing  itself  in  magnificent  guise. 


344  JOSHUA. 

Joshua  was  now  here,  now  there,  and  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy  were  already  thinning,  while  the  numbers  of  the 
Hebrews  seemed  increasing. 

Hur  confirmed  these  words,  adding  that  the  tireless 
zeal  and  heroic  scorn  of  death  displayed  by  the  son  of. 
Nun  could  not  be  denied.  He  had  just  felled  one  of 
the  fiercest  Amalekites  with  his  battle-axe. 

Then  Moses  uttered  a  sigh  of  relief,  let  his  arms 
fall,  and  eagerly  watched  the  farther  progress  of  the 
battle,  which  was  surging,  raging  and  roaring  beneath 
him. 

Meanwhile  the  sun  had  reached  its  zenith  and 
shone  with  scorching  fire  upon  the  combatants.  The 
grey  granite  walls  of  the  valley  exhaled  fiercer  and 
fiercer  heat  and  drops  of  perspiration  had  long  been 
pouring  from  the  burning  brows  of  the  three  men  on 
the  cliff.  How  the  noon-tide  heat  must  burden  those 
who  were  fighting  and  struggling  below;  how  the 
bleeding  wounds  of  those  who  had  fallen  in  the  dust 
must  burn ! 

Moses  felt  all  this  as  if  he  were  himself  compelled 
to  endure  it ;  for  his  immovably  steadfast  soul  was  rich 
in  compassion,  and  he  had  taken  into  his  heart,  as  a 
father  does  his  child,  the  people  of  his  own  blood  for 
whom  he  lived  and  labored,  prayed  and  planned. 

The  wounds  of  the  Hebrews  pained  him,  yet  his 
heart  throbbed  with  joyous  pride,  when  he  beheld  how 
those  whose  cowardly  submission  had  so  powerfully 
stirred  his  wrath  a  short  time  before,  had  learned  to 
act  on  the  defensive  and  offensive ;  and  saw  one  youth- 
ful band  after  another  shouting  :  "  Jehovah  our  stan- 
dard !"  rush  upon  the  enemy. 

In  Joshua's  proud,  heroic  figure  he  beheld  the  de- 


JOSHUA.  345 

Scendants  of  his  people  as  he  had  imagined  and  desired 
them,  and  now  he  no  longer  doubted  that  the  Lord 
Himself  had  summoned  the  son  of  Nun  to  the  chief 
command.  His  eye  had  rarely  beamed  as  brightly  as 
in  this  hour. 

But  what  was  that  ? 

A  cry  of  alarm  escaped  the  lips  of  Aaron,  and  Hur 
rose  and  gazed  northward  in  anxious  suspense  for 
thence,  where  the  tents  of  the  people  stood,  fresh  war- 
cries  rose,  blended  with  loud,  piteous  shrieks  which 
seemed  to  be  uttered,  not  only  by  men,  but  by  women 
and  children. 

The  camp  had  been  attacked. 

Long  before  the  commencement  of  the  battle  a 
band  of  Amalekites  had  separated  from  the  others  and 
made  their  way  to  it  through  a  path  in  the  mountains 
with  which  they  were  familiar. 

Hur  thought  of  his  young  wife,  while  before  Aaron's 
mind  rose  Elisheba,  his  faithful  spouse,  his  children 
and  grandchildren ;  and  both,  with  imploring  eyes, 
mutely  entreated  Moses  to  dismiss  them  to  hasten  to 
aid  their  dear  ones ;  but  the  stern  leader  refused  and 
detained  them. 

Then,  drawing  his  figure  to  its  full  height,  Moses 
again  raised  his  hands  and  eyes  to  Heaven,  appealing 
to  the  Most  High  with  fervent  warmth,  and  never 
ceasing  in  his  prayers,  which  became  more  and  more 
ardent  as  time  passed  on,  for  the  vantage  gained  by 
the  soldiers  seemed  lost.  Each  new  glance^at  the  bat- 
tle-field, everything  his  companions  told  him,  while  his 
soul,  dwelling  with  the  Lord,  had  rendered  him  blind  to 
the  scene  at  his  feet,  increased  the  burden  of  his 
anxieties. 


346  JOSHUA. 

Joshua,  at  the  head  of  a  strong  detachment,  had 
retreated  from  the  battle,  accompanied  by  Bezaleel, 
Hur's  grandson,  Aholiab,  his  most  beloved  comrade, 
the  youthful  Ephraim,  and  Reuben,  Milcah's  hus- 
band. 

Hur's  eyes  had  followed  them,  while  his  heart  was 
full  of  blessings;  for  they  had  evidently  quitted  the 
battle  to  save  the  camp.  With  straining  ears  he  lis- 
tened to  the  sounds  from  the  north,  as  if  suspecting 
how  nearly  he  was  affected  by  the  broken  cries  and 
moans  borne  by  the  wind  from  the  tents. 

Old  Nun  had  defended  himself  against  the  Amal- 
ekite  troop  that  assailed  the  camp,  and  fought  valiantly ; 
but  when  he  perceived  that  the  men  whom  Joshua 
had  placed  under  his  command  could  no  longer  hold 
out  against  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  he  sent  to  ask  for 
aid;  Joshua  instantly  entrusted  the  farther  guidance 
of  the  battle  to  the  second  head  of  the  tribe  of  Judah, 
Naashon,  and  Uri  the  son  of  Hur,  who  had  disting- 
uished himself  by  courage  and  discretion  and  hastened, 
with  other  picked  men,  to  his  father's  relief. 

He  had  not  lost  a  moment,  yet  the  conflict  was  de- 
cided when  he  appeared  on  the  scene  of  action ;  for 
when  he  approached  the  camp  the  Amalekites  had  al- 
ready broken  through  his  father's  troops,  cut  it  off  from 
them,  and  rushed  in. 

Joshua  first  saved  the  brave  old  man  from  the  foe; 
then  the  next  thing  was  to  drive  the  sons  of  the  desert 
from  the  tents  and,  in  so  doing,  there  was  a  fierce 
hand  to  hand  struggle  of  man  against  man,  and  as  he 
himself  could  be  in  only  one  place  he  was  forced  to 
leave  the  young  men  to  shift  for  themselves. 

Here,  too,  he  raised  the    war-cry  :  "  Jehovah   our 


JOSHUA.  347 

standard !"  and  rushed  upon  the  tent  of  Hur,  — 
which  the  enemy  had  seized  first  and  where  the  battle 
raged  most  fiercely. 

Many  corpses  already  strewed  the  ground  at  its  en- 
trance, and  furious  Amalekites  were  still  struggling  with 
a  band  of  Hebrews ;  but  wild  shrieks  of  terror  rang 
from  within  its  walls. 

Joshua  dashed  across  the  threshold  as  if  his  feet 
were  winged  and  beheld  a  scene  which  filled  even  the 
fearless  man  with  horror ;  for  at  the  left  of  the  spacious 
floor  Hebrews  and  Amalekites  rolled  fighting  on  the 
blood-stained  mats,  while  at  the  right  he  saw  Miriam 
and  several  of  her  women  whose  hands  had  been 
bound  by  the  foe. 

The  men  had  desired  to  bear  them  away  as  a  costly 
prize ;  but  an  Amalekite  woman,  frantic  with  rage  and 
jealousy  and  thirsting  for  revenge,  wished  to  devote  the 
foreign  women  to  a  fiery  death  ;  fanning  the  embers 
upon  the  hearth  she  had  brought  them,  with  the  help  of 
the  veil  torn  from  Miriam's  head,  to  a  bright  blaze. 

A  terrible  uproar  filled  the  spacious  enclosure,  when 
Joshua  sprang  into  the  tent. 

Here  furious  men  were  fighting,  yonder  the  female 
servants  of  the  prophetess  were  shrieking  loudly  or,  as 
they  saw  the  approaching  warrior,  screaming  for  help 
and  rescue. 

Their  mistress,  deadly  pale,  knelt  before  the  hostile 
chief  whose  wife  had  threatened  her  with  death  by  fire. 

She  gazed  at  her  preserver  as  if  she  beheld  a  ghost 
that  had  just  risen  from  the  earth  and  what  now  hap- 
pened remained  imprinted  on  Miriam's  memory  as  a 
series  of  bloody,  horrible,  disconnected,  yet  superb 
visions. 


348  JOSHUA. 

In  the  first  place  the  Amalekite  chieftain  who  had 
bound  her  was  a  strangely  heroic  figure. 

The  bronzed  warrior,  with  his  bold  hooked  nose, 
_black  beard,  and  fiery  eyes,  looked  like  an  eagle  of  his 
own  mountains.  But  another  was  soon  to  cope  with 
him,  and  that  other  the  man  who  had  been  dear  to  her 
heart. 

She  had  often  compared  him  to  a  lion,  but  never 
had  he  seemed  more  akin  to  the  king  of  the  wilder- 
ness. 

Both  were  mighty  and  terrible  men.  No  one  could 
have  predicted  which  would  be  the  victor  and  which 
the  vanquished ;  but  she  was  permitted  to  watch  their 
conflict,  and  already  the  hot-blooded  son  of  the  desert 
had  raised  his  war-cry  and  rushed  upon  the  more  pru- 
dent Hebrew. 

Every  child  knows  that  life  cannot  continue  if  the 
heart  ceases  to  throb  for  a  minute ;  yet  Miriam  felt 
that  her  own  stood  still  as  if  benumbed  and  turned  to 
stone,  when  the  lion  was  in  danger  of  succumbing  to 
the  eagle,  and  when  the  latter's  glittering  knife  flashed, 
and  she  saw  the  blood  gushing  from  the  other's 
shoulder. 

But  the  frozen  heart  had  now  begun  to  beat  again, 
nay  it  pulsed  faster  than  ever ;  for  suddenly  the  leonine 
warrior,  toward  whom  she  had  just  felt  such  bitter 
hatred,  had  again  become,  as  if  by  a  miracle,  the  friend 
of  her  youth.  With  blast  of  trumpets  and  clash  of 
cymbals  love  had  again  set  forth  to  enter,  with  trium- 
phant joy,  the  soul  which  had  of  late  been  so  desolate, 
so  impoverished.  All  that  separated  her  from  him  was 
suddenly  forgotten  and  buried,  and  never  was  a  more 
fervent  appeal  addressed  to  the  Most  High  than  during 


JOSHUA.  349 

the  brief  prayer  for  him  which  rose  from  her  heart  at 
that  moment.  And  the  swiftness  with  which  the 
petition  was  granted  equalled  its  ardor ;  for  the  eagle 
had  fallen  and  lowered  its  pinions  beneath  the  superior 
might  of  the  lion. 

Then  darkness  veiled  Miriam's  eyes  and  she  felt 
as  if  in  a  dream  Ephraim  sever  the  ropes  around  her 
wrists. 

Soon  after  she  regained  her  full  consciousness,  and 
now  beheld  at  her  feet  the  bleeding  form  of  the  con- 
quered chieftain  ;  while  on  the  other  side  of  the  tent  the 
floor  was  strewed  with  dead  and  wounded  men,  He- 
brews and  Amalekites,  among  them  many  of  her 
husband's  slaves.  But  beside  the  fallen  men  stood 
erect,  and  exulting  in  victory,  the  stalwart  warriors  of 
her  people,  among  them  the  venerable  form  of  Nun, 
and  Joshua,  whose  father  was  binding  up  his  wounds. 

To  do  this  she  felt  was  her  duty  and  hers  only,  and 
a  deep  sense  of  shame,  a  burning  grief  took  possession 
of  her  as  she  remembered  how  she  had  sinned  against 
this  man. 

She  knew  not  how  she  who  had  caused  him  such 
deep  suffering  could  atone  for  it,  how  she  could  repay 
what  she  owed  him. 

Her  whole  heart  was  overflowing  with  longing  for 
one  kind  word  from  his  mouth,  and  she  approached 
him  on  her  knees  across  the  blood-stained  floor ;  but 
the  lips  of  the  prophetess,  usually  so  eloquent,  seemed 
paralyzed  and  could  not  find  the  right  language  till  at 
last  from  her  burdened  breast  the  cry  escaped  in  loud 
imploring  accents : 

"  Joshua,  oh,  Joshua  !  I  have  sinned  heavily  against 
you  and  will  atone  for  it  all  my  life ;  but  do  not  disdain 


350  JOSHUA. 

my  gratitude !  Do  not  cast  it  from  you  and,  if  you 
can,  forgive  me." 

She  had  been  unable  to  say  more;  then  —  never 
would  she  forget  it  —  burning  tears  had  gushed  from 
her  eyes  and  he  had  raised  her  from  the  floor  with  irre- 
sistible strength,  yet  as  gently  as  a  mother  touches  her 
fallen  child,  and  from  his  lips  mild,  gentle  words,  full 
of  forgiveness,  echoed  in  her  ears.  The  very  touch  of 
his  right  hand  had  assured  her  that  he  was  no  longer 
angry. 

She  still  felt  the  pressure  of  his  hand,  and  heard  his 
assurance  that  from  no  lips  would  he  more  gladly  hear 
the  name  of  Joshua  than  from  hers. 

With  the  war-cry  "Jehovah  our  standard!"  he  at 
last  turned  his  back  upon  her;  for  a  long  time  its 
clear  tones  and  the  enthusiastic  shouts  of  his  soldiers 
echoed  in  her  ears. 

Finally  everything  around  her  had  lapsed  into 
silence  and  she  only  knew  that  never  had  she  shed 
such  bitter,  burning  tears  as  in  this  hour.  And  she 
made  two  solemn  vows  in  the  presence  of  the  God 
who  had  summoned  her  to  be  His  prophetess. 

Meanwhile  both  the  men  whom  they  concerned 
were  surrounded  by  the  tumult  of  battle. 

One  had  again  led  his  troops  from  the  rescued 
camp  against  the  foe ;  the  other  was  watching  with  the 
leader  of  the  people  the  surging  to  and  fro  of  the  ever- 
increasing  fury  of  the  conflict. 

Joshua  found  his  people  in  sore  stress.  Here  they 
were  yielding,  yonder  they  were  still  feebly  resisting  the 
onslaught  of  the  sons  of  the  desert ;  but  Hur  gazed 
with  increasing  and  redoubled  anxiety  at  the  progress 


JOSHUA.  351 

of  the  battle;  for  in  the  camp  he  beheld  wife  and 
grandson,  and  below  his  son,  in  mortal  peril. 

His  paternal  heart  ached  as  he  saw  Uri  retreat,  then 
as  he  pressed  forward  again  and  repelled  the  foe  by  a 
well-directed  assault,  it  throbbed  joyously,  and  he 
would  gladly  have  shouted  words  of  praise. 

But  whose  ear  would  have  been  sharp  enough  to 
distinguish  the  voice  of  a  single  man  amid  the  clash  of 
arms  and  war-cries,  the  shrieks  of  women,  the  wails  of 
the  wounded,  the  discordant  grunting  of  the  camels, 
the  blasts  of  horns  and  trumpets  mingling  below  ? 

Now  the  foremost  band  of  the  Amalekites  had 
forced  itself  like  a  wedge  into  the  rear  ranks  of  the 
Hebrews. 

If  the  former  succeeded  in  opening  a  way  for  those 
behind  and  joined  the  division  which  was  attacking 
the  camp,  the  battle  was  lost,  and  the  destruction  of 
the  people  sealed ;  for  a  body  of  Amalekites  who  had 
not  mingled  in  the  fray  were  still  stationed  at  the 
southern  entrance  of  the  valley,  apparently  for  the  pur- 
pose of  defending  the  oasis  against  the  foe  in  case  of 
need. 

A  fresh  surprise  followed. 

The  sons  of  the  desert  had  fought  their  way  forward 
so  far  that  the  missiles  of  the  slingers  and  bowmen 
could  scarcely  reach  them.  If  these  men  were  not  to 
be  idle,  it  was  needful  that  they  should  be  summoned 
to  the  battle-field. 

Hur  had  long  since  shouted  to  Uri  to  remember 
them  and  use  their  aid  again ;  but  now  the  figure  of  a 
youth  suddenly  appeared  approaching  from  the  direc- 
tion of  the  camp  as  nimbly  as  a  mountain  goat,  by 
climbing  and  leaping  from  one  rock  to  another. 


352  JOSHUA. 

As  soon  as  he  reached  the  first  ones  he  spoke  to 
them,  and  made  signs  to  the  next,  who  passed  the 
message  on,  and  at  last  they  all  climbed  down  into  the 
valley,  scaled  the  western  cliff  to  the  height  of  several 
men,  and  suddenly  vanished  as  though  the  rock  had 
swallowed  them. 

The  youth  whom  the  slingers  and  archers  had  fol- 
lowed was  Ephraim. 

A  black  shadow  on  the  cliff  where  he  had  disap- 
peared with  the  others  must  be  the  opening  of  a  ravine, 
through  which  they  were  doubtless  to  be  guided  to  the 
men  who  had  followed  Joshua  to  the  succor  of  the 
camp. 

Such  was  the  belief,  not  only  of  Hur  but  of  Aaron, 
and  the  former  again  began  to  doubt  Joshua's  fitness 
for  the  Lord's  call ;  for  what  benefited  those  in  the 
tents  weakened  the  army  whose  command  devolved 
upon  his  son  Uri  and  his  associate  in  office  Naashon. 

The  battle  around  the  camp  had  already  lasted  for 
hours  and  Moses  had  not  ceased  to  pray  with  hands 
uplifted  toward  heaven,  when  the  Amalekites  succeed- 
ed in  gaining  a  considerable  vantage. 

Then  the  leader  of  the  Hebrews  summoned  his 
strength  for  a  new  and  more  earnest  appeal  to  the  Most 
High  ;  but  the  exhausted  man's  knees  tottered  and  his 
wearied  arms  fell.  But  his  soul  had  retained  its  energy, 
his  heart  the  desire  not  to  cease  pleading  to  the  Ruler  of 
Battles. 

Moses  was  unwilling  to  remain  inactive  during  this 
conflict  and  his  weapon  was  prayer. 

Like  a  child  who  will  not  cease  urging  its  mother 
until  she  grants  what  it  unselfishly  beseeches  for  its 
brothers  and  sisters,  he  clung  imploring  to  the  Omni- 


JOSHUA.  353 

potent  One,  who  had  hitherto  proved  Himself  a  father 
to  him  and  to  his  people  and  wonderfully  preserved 
them  from  the  greatest  perils. 

But  his  physical  strength  was  exhausted,  so  he 
summoned  his  companions  who  pushed  forward  a  rock 
on  which  he  seated  himself,  in  order  to  assail  the 
heart  of  the  Most  High  with  fresh  prayers. 

There  he  sat  and  though  his  wearied  limbs  refused 
their  service,  his  soul  was  obedient  and  rose  with 
all  its  fire  to  the  Ruler  of  the  destinies  of  men. 

But  his  arms  grew  more  and  more  paralysed,  and  at 
last  fell  as  if  weighted  with  lead ;  for  years  it  had 
become  a  necessity  to  him  to  stretch  them  heaven- 
ward when  he  appealed  with  all  his  fervor  to  God 
on  high. 

This  his  companions  knew,  and  they  fancied  they 
perceived  that  whenever  the  great  leader's  hands  fell 
the  sons  of  Amalek  gained  a  fresh  advantage. 

Therefore  they  eagerly  supported  his  arms,  one  at 
the  right  side,  the  other  at  the  left,  and  though  the 
mighty  man  could  no  longer  lift  his  voice  in  intelligible 
words,  though  his  giant  frame  reeled  to  and  fro,  and 
though  more  than  once  it  seemed  to  him  as  if  the  stone 
which  supported  him,  the  valley  and  the  whole  earth 
rocked,  still  his  hands  and  eyes  remained  uplifted.  Not 
a  moment  did  he  cease  to  call  upon  the  Most  High  till 
suddenly  loud  shouts  of  victory,  which  echoed  clearly 
from  the  rocky  sides  of  the  valley,  rose  from  the  direc- 
tion of  the  camp. 

Joshua  had  again  appeared  on  the  battle-field  and, 
at  the  head  of  his  warriors,  rushed  with  resistless 
energy  upon  the  foe. 

The  battle  now  assumed  a  new  aspect. 


354  JOSHUA. 

The  result  was  still  uncertain,  and  Moses  could  not 
cease  uplifting  his  heart  and  arms  to  heaven,  but  at 
last,  at  last  this  long  final  struggle  came  to  an  end. 
The  ranks  of  the  Amalekites  wavered  and  finally, 
scattered  and  disheartened,  dashed  toward  the  southern 
entrance  of  the  valley  whence  they  had  come. 

There  also  cries  were  heard  and  from  a  thousand 
lips  rang  the  glad  shout :  "  Jehovah  our  standard ! 
Victory  !"  and  again  "  Victory  !" 

Then  the  man  of  God  removed  his  arms  from  the 
supporting  shoulders  of  his  companions,  swung  them 
aloft  freely  and  with  renewed  and  wonderfully  invigor- 
ated strength  shouted  : 

"  I  thank  Thee,  my  God  and  my  Lord  !  Jehovah 
our  standard !  The  people  are  saved !" 

Then  darkness  veiled  the  eyes  of  the  exhausted 
man.  But  a  little  later  he  again  opened  them  and  saw 
Ephraim,  with  the  slingers  and  bowmen,  attack  the 
body  of  Amalekites  at  the  .southern  entrance  of  the 
valley,  while  Joshua  drove  the  main  army  of  the  sons 
of  the  desert  toward  their  retreating  comrades. 

Joshua  had  heard  through  some  captives  of  a 
ravine  which  enabled  good  climbers  to  reach  a  defile 
which  led  to  the  southern  end  of  the  battle-field ;  and 
Ephraim,  obedient  to  his  command,  had  gone  with  the 
slingers  and  bowmen  along  this  difficult  path  to  assail 
in  the  rear  the  last  band  of  foemen  who  were  still 
capable  of  offering  resistance. 

Pressed,  harassed  from  two  sides,  and  disheartened, 
the  sons  of  Amalek  gave  up  the  conflict  and  now  the 
Hebrews  beheld  how  these  sons  of  the  desert,  who  had 
grown  up  in  this  mountain  region,  understood  how  to 
use  their  feet;  for  at  a  sign  from  their  leader  they 


JOSHUA.  355 

spurred  the  dromedaries  and  flew  away  like  leaves 
blown  by  the  wind.  Rough  mountain  heights  which 
seemed  inaccessible  to  human  beings  they  scaled  on 
their  hands  and  feet  like  nimble  lizards ;  many  others 
escaped  through  the  ravine  which  the  captured  slaves 
had  betrayed  to  Joshua. 


CHAPTER   XXVIII. 

THE  larger  portion  of  the  Amalekites  had  perished 
or  lay  wounded  on  the  battle-field.  Joshua  knew  that 
the  other  desert  tribes,  according  to  their  custom, 
would  abandon  their  defeated  companions  and  return 
to  their  own  homes. 

Yet  it  seemed  probable  that  despair  would  give  the 
routed  warriors  courage  not  to  let  their  oasis  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  Hebrews  without  striking  a  blow. 

But  Joshua's  warriors  were  too  much  exhausted  for 
it  to  be  possible  to  lead  them  onward  at  once. 

He  himself  was  bleeding  from  several  slight  wounds, 
and  the  exertions  of  the  last  few  days  were  making 
themselves  felt  even  on  his  hardened  frame. 

Besides  the  sun,  which  when  the  battle  began  had 
just  risen,  was  already  sinking  to  rest  and  should  it 
prove  necessary  to  force  an  entrance  into  the  oasis  it 
was  not  advisable  to  fight  in  darkness. 

What  he  and  still  more  his  brave  warriors  needed 
was  rest  until  the  grey  dawn  of  early  morning. 

He  saw  around  him  only  glad  faces,  radiant  with 
proud  self-reliance,  and  as  he  commanded  the  troops 
to  disband,  in  order  to  celebrate  the  victory  in  the 


356  JOSHUA. 

camp  with  their  relatives,  each  body  that  filed  slowly 
and  wearily  past  him  burst  into  cheers  as  fresh  and 
resonant  as  though  they  had  forgotten  the  exhaustion 
which  so  short  a  time  before  had  bowed  every  head 
and  burdened  every  foot. 

"  Hail  to  Joshua  !  Hail  to  the  victor !"  still  echoed 
from  the  cliffs  after  the  last  band  had  disappeared  from 
his  gaze.  But  far  more  distinctly  the  words  with 
which  Moses  had  thanked  him  rang  in  his  soul.  They 
were: 

"Thou  hast  proved  thyself  a  true  sword  of  the 
Most  High,  strong  and  steadfast.  So  long  as  the  Lord 
is  thy  help  and  Jehovah  is  our  standard,  we  need  fear 
no  foes." 

He  fancied  he  still  felt  on  his  brow  and  hair  the 
kiss  of  the  mighty  man  of  God  who  had  clasped  him  to 
his  breast  in  the  presence  of  all  the  people,  and  it  was 
no  small  thing  to  master  the  excitement  which  the 
close  of  this  momentous  day  awakened  in  him. 

A  strong  desire  to  regain  perfect  self-possession  ere 
he  again  mingled  in  the  jubilant  throng  and  met  his 
father,  who  shared  every  lofty  emotion  that  stirred  his 
own  soul,  detained  him  on  the  battle-field. 

It  was  a  scene  where  dread  and  horror  reigned; 
for  all  save  himself  who  lingered  there  were  held  by 
death  or  severe  wounds. 

The  ravens  which  had  followed  the  wanderers 
hovered  above  the  corpses  and  already  ventured  to 
swoop  nearer  to  the  richly-spread  banquet.  The  scent 
of  blood  had  lured  the  beasts  of  prey  from  the  moun- 
tains and  dens  in  the  rocks  and  their  roaring  and  greedy 
growling  were  heard  in  all  directions. 

As   darkness   followed    dusk    lights   began    to   flit 


JOSHUA.  357 

over  the  blood-soaked  ground.  These  were  to  aid  the 
slaves  and  those  who  missed  a  relative  to  distinguish 
friend  from  foe,  the  wounded  from  the  dead;  and  many 
a  groan  from  the  breast  of  some  sorely-wounded  man 
mingled  with  the  croaking  of  the  sable  birds,  and  the 
howls  of  the  hungry  jackals  and  hyenas,  foxes  and 
panthers. 

But  Joshua  was  familiar  with  the  horrors  of  the 
battle-field  and  did  not  heed  them. 

Leaning  against  a  rock,  he  saw  the  same  stars  rise 
which  had  shone  upon  him  before  the  tent  in  the  camp 
at  Tanis,  when  in  the  sorest  conflict  with  himself  he 
confronted  the  most  difficult  decision  of  his  life. 

A  month  had  passed  since  then,  yet  that  brief  span 
of  time  had  witnessed  an  unprecedented  transformation 
of  his  whole  inner  and  outward  life. 

What  had  seemed  to  him  grand,  lofty,  and  worthy 
of  the  exertion  of  all  his  strength  on  that  night  when 
he  sat  before  the  tent  where  lay  the  delirious  Ephraim, 
to-day  lay  far  behind  him  as  idle  and  worthless. 

He  no  longer  cared  for  the  honors,  dignities  and 
riches  which  the  will  of  the  whimsical,  weak  king  of 
a  foreign  people  could  bestow  upon  him.  What  to 
him  was  the  well-ordered  and  disciplined  army,  among 
whose  leaders  he  had  numbered  himself  with  such 
joyous  pride  ? 

He  could  scarcely  realize  that  there  had  been  a 
time  when  he  aspired  to  nothing  higher  than  to  com- 
mand more  and  still  more  thousands  of  Egyptians; 
when  his  heart  had  swelled  at  the  bestowal  of  a  new 
title  or  glittering  badge  of  honor  by  those  whom  he 
held  most  unworthy  of  his  esteem. 
24 


358  JOSHUA. 

From  the  Egyptians  he  had  expected  everything, 
from  his  own  people  nothing. 

That  very  night  before  his  tent  the  great  mass  of 
the  men  of  his  own  blood  had  been  repulsive  to  him  as 
pitiful  slaves  languishing  in  dishonorable,  servile  toil. 
Even  the  better  classes  he  had  arrogantly  patronized ; 
for  they  were  but  shepherds  and  as  such  contemptible 
to  the  Egyptians,  whose  opinions  he  shared. 

His  own  father  was  also  the  owner  of  herds  and, 
though  he  held  him  in  high  esteem,  it  was  in  spite  of  his 
position  and  only  because  his  whole  character  com- 
manded reverence ;  because  the  superb  old  man's  fiery 
vigor  won  love  from  every  one,  and  above  all  from 
him,  his  grateful  son. 

He  had  never  ceased  to  gladly  acknowledge  his 
kinship  to  him,  but  in  other  respects  he  had  striven  to 
so  bear  himself  among  his  broth ers-in-arms  that  they 
should  forget  his  origin  and  regard  him  in  everything 
as  one  of  themselves.  His  ancestress  Asenath,  the  wife 
of  Joseph,  had  been  an  Egyptian  and  he  had  boasted 
of  the  fact. 

And  now,  —  to-day  ? 

He  would  have  made  any  one  feel  the  weight  of 
his  wrath  who  reproached  him  with  being  an  Egyptian  ; 
and  what  at  the  last  new  moon  he  would  only  too 
willingly  have  cast  aside  and  concealed,  as  though  it 
were  a  disgrace,  made  him  on  the  night  of  the  next 
new  moon  whose  stars  were  just  beginning  to  shine, 
raise  his  head  with  joyous  pride. 

What  a  lofty  emotion  it  was  to  feel  himself  with 
just  complacency  the  man  he  really  was ! 

His  life  and  deeds  as  an  Egyptian  chief  now  seemed 
like  a  perpetual  lie,  a  constant  desertion  of  his  ideal. 


JOSHUA,  359 

His  truthful  nature  exulted  in  the  consciousness  that 
the  base  denial  and  concealment  of  his  birth  was  at 
an  end. 

With  joyous  gratitude  he  felt  that  he  was  one  of 
the  people  whom  the  Most  High  preferred  to  all  others, 
that  he  belonged  to  a  community,  whose  humblest 
members,  nay  even  the  children,  could  raise  their  hands 
in  prayer  to  the  God  whom  the  loftiest  minds  among  the 
Egyptians  surrounded  with  the  barriers  of  secrecy,  be- 
cause they  considered  their  people  too  feeble  and  dull 
of  intellect  to  stand  before  His  mighty  grandeur  and 
comprehend  it. 

And  this  one  sole  God,  before  whom  all  the  whole 
motley  world  of  Egyptian  divinities  sank  into  insignifi- 
cance, had  chosen  him,  the  son  of  Nun,  from  among 
the  thousands  of  his  race  to  be  the  champion  and  de- 
fender of  His  chosen  people  and  bestowed  on  him  a 
name  that  assured  him  of  His  aid. 

No  man,  he  thought,  had  ever  had  a  loftier  aim 
than,  obedient  to  his  God  and  under  His  protection,  to 
devote  his  blood  and  life  to  the  service  of  his  own 
people.  His  black  eyes  sparkled  more  brightly  and 
joyously  as  he  thought  of  it.  His  heart  seemed  too 
small  to  contain  all  the  love  with  which  he  wished  to 
make  amends  to  his  brothers  for  his  sins  against  them 
in  former  years. 

True,  he  had  lost  to  another  a  grand  and  noble 
woman  whom  he  had  hoped  to  make  his  own ;  but 
this  did  not  in  the  least  sadden  the  joyous  enthusiasm 
of  his  soul ;  for  he  had  long  ceased  to  desire  her  as  his 
wife,  high  as  her  image  still  stood  in  his  mind.  He 
now  thought  of  her  with  quiet  gratitude  only ;  for  he 
willingly  admitted  that  his  new  life  had  begun  on  the 


360  JOSHUA. 

decisive  night  when  Miriam  set  him  the  example  of 
sacrificing  everything,  even  the  dearest  object  of  love, 
to  God  and  the  people. 

Miriam's  sins  against  him  were  effaced  from  his 
memory ;  for  he  was  wont  to  forget  what  he  had  for- 
given. Now  he  felt  only  the  grandeur  of  what  he 
owed  her.  Like  a  magnificent  tree,  towering  skyward 
on  the  frontier  of  two  hostile  countries,  she  stood  be- 
tween his  past  and  his  present  life.  Though  love  was 
buried,  he  and  Miriam  could  never  cease  to  walk  hand 
in  hand  over  the  same  road  toward  the  same  desti- 
nation. 

As  he  again  surveyed  the  events  of  the  past,  he 
could  truly  say  that  under  his  leadership  pitiful  bond- 
men had  speedily  become  brave  warriors-  In  the  field 
they  had  been  willing  and  obedient  and,  after  the  vic- 
tory, behaved  with  manliness.  And  they  could  not  fail 
to  improve  with  each  fresh  success.  To-day  it  seemed 
to  him  not  only  desirable,  but  quite  possible,  to  win  in 
battle  at  their  head  a  land  which  they  could  love  and 
where,  in  freedom  and  prosperity,  they  could  become 
the  able  men  he  desired  to  make  them. 

Amid  the  horrors  of  the  battle-field  in  the  moonless 
night  joy  as  bright  as  day  entered  his  heart  and  with 
the  low  exclamation  :  "  God  and  my  people  !"  and  a 
grateful  glance  upward  to  the  starry  firmament  he  left 
the  corpse-strewn  valley  of  death  like  a  conqueror 
walking  over  palms  and  flowers  scattered  by  a  grate- 
ful people  on  the  path  of  victory. 


JOSHUA.  361 


CONCLUSION. 

THERE  was  an  active  stir  in  the  camp. 

Fires  surrounded  by  groups  of  happy  human  beings 
were  burning  in  front  of  the  tents,  and  many  a  beast 
was  slain,  here  as  a  thank-offering,  yonder  for  the 
festal  supper. 

Wherever  Joshua  appeared  glad  cheers  greeted  him ; 
but  he  did  not  find  his  father,  for  the  latter  had  accept- 
ed an  invitation  from  Hur,  so  it  was  before  the  prince 
of  Judah's  tent  that  the  son  embraced  the  old  man, 
who  was  radiant  with  grateful  joy. 

Ere  Joshua  sat  down  Hur  beckoned  him  aside,  or- 
dered a  slave  who  had  just  killed  a  calf  to  divide  it 
into  two  pieces  and  pointing  to  it,  said  : 

"  You  have  accomplished  great  deeds  for  the  people 
and  for  me,  son  of  Nun,  and  my  life  is  too  short  for  the 
gratitude  which  is  your  due  from  my  wife  and  myself. 
If  you  can  forget  the  bitter  words  which  clouded  our 
peace  at  Dophkah  —  and  you  say  you  have  done  so  — 
let  us  in  future  keep  together  like  brothers  and  stand  by 
each  other  in  joy  and  grief,  in  need  and  peril.  The  chief 
command  henceforth  belongs  to  you  alone,  Joshua, 
and  to  no  other,  and  this  is  a  source  of  joy  to  the  whole 
people,  above  all  to  my  wife  and  to  me.  So  if  you 
share  my  wish  to  form  a  brotherhood,  walk  with  me, 
according  to  the  custom  of  our  fathers,  between  the 
halves  of  this  slaughtered  animal." 

Joshua  willingly  accepted  this  invitation,  and  Miriam 
was  the  first  to  join  in  the  loud  acclamations  of  auproval 


362  JOSHUA. 

commenced  by  the  grey-haired  Nun.  She  did  so  with 
eager  zeal;  for  it  was  she  who  had  inspired  her  hus- 
band, before  whom  she  had  humbled  herself,  and 
whose  love  she  now  once  more  possessed,  with  the  idea 
of  inviting  Joshua  to  the  alliance  both  had  now  con- 
cluded. 

This  had  not  been  difficult  for  her;  for  the  two 
vows  she  had  made  after  the  son  of  Nun,  whom  she 
now  gladly  called  "  Joshua,"  had  saved  her  from  the 
hand  of  the  foe  were  already  approaching  fulfilment, 
and  she  felt  that  she  had  resolved  upon  them  in  a 
happy  hour. 

The  new  and  pleasant  sensation  of  being  a  woman, 
like  any  other  woman,  lent  her  whole  nature  a  gentleness 
hitherto  foreign  to  it,  and  this  retained  the  love  of  the 
husband  whose  full  value  she  had  learned  to  know 
during  the  sad  time  in  which  he  had  shut  his  heart 
against  her. 

In  the  selfsame  hour  which  made  Hur  and  Joshua 
brothers,  a  pair  of  faithful  lovers  who  had  been  sun- 
dered by  sacred  duties  were  once  more  united;  for 
while  the  friends  were  still  feasting  before  the  tent  of 
Hur,  three  of  the  people  asked  permission  to  speak  to 
Nun,  their  master.  These  were  the  old  freedwoman, 
who  had  remained  in  Tanis,  her  granddaughter  Hogla 
and  Assir,  the  latter's  betrothed  husband,  from  whom 
the  girl  had  parted  to  nurse  her  grandparents. 

Hoary  Eliab  had  soon  died,  and  the  grandmother 
and  Hogla  —  the  former  on  the  old  man's  ass  —  had 
followed  the  Hebrews  amid  unspeakable  difficulties. 

Nun  welcomed  the  faithful  couple  with  joy  and 
gave  Hogla  to  Assir  for  his  wife. 


JOSHUA.  363 

So  this  blood-stained  day  had.  brought  blessings  to 
many,  yet  it  was  to  end  with  a  shrill  discord. 

While  the  fires  in  the  camp  were  burning,  loud 
voices  were  heard,  and  during  the  whole  journey  not 
an  evening  had  passed  without  strife  and  sanguinary 
quarrels. 

Wounds  and  fatal  blows  had  often  been  given 
when  an  offended  man  revenged  himself  on  his  enemy, 
or  a  dishonest  one  seized  the  property  of  others  or 
denied  the  obligations  he  had  sworn  to  fulfil. 

In  such  cases  it  had  been  difficult  to  restore  peace 
and  call  the  criminals  to  account;  for  the  refractory 
refused  to  recognize  any  one  as  judge.  Whoever  felt 
himself  injured  banded  with  others,  and  strove  to 
obtain  justice  by  force. 

On  that  festal  evening  Hur  and  his  guests  at  first 
failed  to  notice  the  uproar  to  which  every  one  was  ac- 
customed. But  when  close  at  hand,  amid  the  fiercest 
yells,  a  bright  glare  of  light  arose,  the  chiefs  began  to 
fear  for  the  safety  of  the  camp,  and  rising  to  put  an  end 
to  the  disturbance,  they  became  witnesses  of  a  scene 
which  filled  some  with  wrath  and  horror,  and  the 
others  with  grief. 

The  rapture  of  victory  had  intoxicated  the  multi- 
tude. 

They  longed  to  express  their  gratitude  to  the  deity, 
and  in  vivid  remembrance  of  the  cruel  worship  of  their 
home,  a  band  of  Phoenicians  among  the  strangers  had 
kindled  a  huge  fire  to  their  Moloch  and  were  in  the  act 
of  hurling  into  the  flames  several  Amalekite  captives  as 
the  most  welcome  sacrifice  to  their  god. 

Close  beside  it  the  Israelites  had  erected  on  a  tall 
wooden  pillar  a  clay  image  of  the  Egygtian  god  Seth, 


364  JOSHUA.  - 

which   one  of  his  Hebrew  worshippers   had   brought 
with  him  to  protect  himself  and  his  family. 

Directly  after  their  return  to  the  camp  Aaron  had 
assembled  the  people  to  sing  hymns  of  praise  and  offer 
prayers  of  thanksgiving;  but  to  many  the  necessity  of 
beholding,  in  the  old-fashioned  way,  an  image  of  the 
god  to  whom  they  were  to  uplift  their  souls,  had  been 
so  strong  that  the  mere  sight  of  the  clay  idol  had 
sufficed  to  bring  them  to  their  knees,  and  turn  them 
from  the  true  God. 

At  the  sight  of  the  servants  of  Moloch,  who  were 
already  binding  the  human  victims  to  hurl  them  into 
the  flames,  Joshua  was  seized  with  wrath  and,  when 
the  deluded  men  resisted,  he  ordered  the  trumpets  to 
be  sounded  and  with  his  young  men  who  blindly 
obeyed  him  and  were  by  no  means  friendly  to  the 
strangers,  drove  them  back,  without  bloodshed,  to 
their  quarters  in  the  camp. 

The  impressive  warnings  of  old  Nun,  Hur,  and 
Naashon  diverted  the  Hebrews  from  the  crime  which 
ingratitude  made  doubly  culpable.  Yet  many  of  the 
latter  found  it  hard  to  control  themselves  when  the 
fiery  old  man  shattered  the  idol  which  was  dear  to 
.them,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  love  cherished  for 
him,  his  son,  and  his  grandson,  and  the  respect  due  his 
snow-white  hair,  many  a  hand  would  doubtless  have" 
been  raised  against  him. 

Moses  had  retired  to  a  solitary  place,  as  was  his 
wont  after  every  great  danger  from  which  the  mercy  of 
the  Most  High  brought  deliverance,  and  tears  filled 
Miriam's  eyes  as  she  thought  of  the  grief  which  the 
tidings  of  such  apostasy  and  ingratitude  would  cause 
her  noble  brother. 


JOSHUA.  365 

A  gloomy  shadow  had  also  darkened  Joshua's 
joyous  confidence.  He  lay  sleepless  on  the  mat  in  his 
father's  tent,  reviewing  the  past. 

His  warrior-soul  was  elevated  by  the  thought  that 
a  single,  omnipotent,  never-erring  Power  guided  the 
universe  and  the  lives  of  men  and  exacted  implicit 
obedience  from  the  whole  creation.  Every  glance  at 
nature  and  life  showed  him  that  everything  depended 
upon  One  infinitely  great  and  powerful  Being,  at  whose 
sign  all  creatures  rose,  moved,  or  sank  to  rest. 

To  him,  the  chief  of  a  little  army,  his  God  was  the 
highest  and  most  far-sighted  of  rulers,  the  only  One, 
who  was  always  certain  of  victory. 

What  a  crime  it  was  to  offend  such  a  Lord  and 
repay  His  benefits  with  apostasy  ! 

Yet  the  people  had  committed  before  his  eyes 
this  heinous  sin  and,  as  he  recalled  to  mind  the 
events  which  had  compelled  him  to  interpose,  the 
question  arose  how  they  were  to  be  protected  from  the 
wrath  of  the  Most  High,  how  the  eyes  of  the  dull 
multitude  could  be  opened  to  His  wonderful  grandeur, 
which  expanded  the  heart  and  the  soul. 

But  he  found  no  answer,  saw  no  expedient,  when 
he  reflected  upon  the  lawlessness  and  rebellion  in  the 
•camp,  which  threatened  to  be  fatal  to  his  people. 

He  had  succeeded  in  making  his  soldiers  obedient. 
As  soon  as  the  trumpets  summoned  them,  and  he  him- 
self in  full  armor  appeared  at  the  head  of  his  men, 
they  yielded  their  own  obstinate  wills  to  his.  Was 
there  then  nothing  that  could  keep  them,  during  peace- 
ful daily  life,  within  the  bounds  which  in  Egypt  secured 
the  existence  of  the  meanest  and  weakest  human 


366  JOSHUA. 

beings  and  protected  them  from  the  attacks  of  those 
who  were  bolder  and  stronger  ? 

Amid  such  reflections  he  remained  awake  until 
early  morning;  when  the  stars  set,  he  started  up, 
ordered  the  trumpets  to  be  sounded,  and  as  on  the 
preceding  days,  the  new-made  troops  assembled  with- 
out opposition  and  in  full  force. 

He  was  soon  marching  at  their  head  through  the 
narrow,  rocky  valley,  and  after  moving  silently  an  hour 
through  the  gloom  the  warriors  enjoyed  the  refreshing 
coolness  which  precedes  the  young  day. 

Then  the  grey  light  of  early  dawn  glimmered  in  the 
east,  the  sky  began  to  brighten,  and  in  the  glowing 
splendor  of  the  blushing  morning  rose  solemnly  in  giant 
majesty  the  form  of  the  sacred  mountain. 

Close  at  hand  and  distinctly  visible  it  towered  before 
the  Hebrews  with  its  brown  masses  of  rock,  cliffs,  and 
chasms,  while  above  the  seven  peaks  of  its  summit 
hovered  a  pair  of  eagles  on  whose  broad  pinions  the 
young  day  cast  a  shimmering  golden  glow. 

A  thrill  of  pious  awe  made  the  whole  band  halt  as 
they  had  before  Alush,  and  every  man,  from  the  first 
rank  to  the  last,  in  mute  devotion  raised  his  hands  to 
pray. 

Then  they  moved  on  with  hearts  uplifted,  and  one 
shouted  joyously  to  another  as  some  pretty  dark  birds 
flew  twittering  toward  them,  a  sign  of  the  neighborhood 
of  fresh  water. 

They  had  scarcely  marched  half  an  hour  longer 
when  they  beheld  the  bluish-green  foliage  of  tamarisk 
bushes  and  the  towering  palm-trees;  at  last,  the  most 
welcome  of  all  sounds  in  the  wilderness  fell  on  their 
listening  ears  —  the  ripple  of  flowing  water. 


JOSHUA.  367 

This  cheered  their  hearts,  and  the  majestic  spectacle 
of  Mount  Sinai,*  whose  heaven-touching  summit  was 
now  concealed  by  a  veil  of  blue  mist,  filled  with  de- 
vout amazement  the  souls  of  the  men  who  had  grown 
up  on  the  flat  plains  of  Goshen. 

They  pressed  cautiously  forward ;  for  the  remainder 
of  the  defeated  Amalekites  might  be  lying  in  ambush. 

But  no  foe  was  seen  or  heard,  and  the  Hebrews 
found  some  tokens  of  the  thirst  for  vengeance  of  the 
sons  of  the  wilderness  in  their  ruined  houses,  the 
superb  palm-trees  felled,  and  little  gardens  destroyed. 

It  was  necessary  now  to  remove  from  the  road  the 
slender  trunks  with  their  huge  leafy  crowns,  that  they 
might  not  impede  the  progress  of  the  people;  and, 
when  this  work  was  done,  Joshua  ascended  through  a 
ravine  which  led  to  the  brook  in  the  valley,  up  to  the 
first  terrace  of  the  mountain,  that  he  might  gaze  around 
him  far  and  near  for  a  view  of  the  enemy. 

The  steep  pathway  led  past  masses  of  red  granite, 
intersected  by  veins  of  greenish  diorite,  until  he  reached 
a  level  plateau  high  above  the  oasis,  where,  beside  a 
clear  spring,  green  bushes  and  delicate  mountain 
flowers  adorned  the  barren  wilderness. 

Here  he  intended  to  rest  and,  as  he  gazed  around 
him,  he  perceived  in  the  shadow  of  an  overhanging 
cliff  a  man's  tall  figure. 

It  was  Moses. 

*  The  mountain  known  at  the  present  day  as  Serbal,  not  the 
Sinai  of  the  monks  which  in  our  opinion  was  first  declared  in  the 
reign  of  Justinian  to  be  the  mount  whence  the  laws  were  given.  The 
detailed  reasons  for  our  opinion  that  Serbal  is  the  Sinai  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, which  Lepsius  expressed  before  us  and  others  share  with  us 
may  be  found  in  our  works:  "  Durch  Gosen  zum  Sinai,  aus  dem 
Wanderbuch  und  der  Bibliothek."  2  Aufl.  Leipzig.  1882.  Wilh. 
Engelmann. 


368  JOSHUA. 

The  flight  of  his  thoughts  had  rapt  him  so  far  away 
from  the  present  and  his  surroundings,  that  he  did  not 
perceive  Joshua's  approach,  and  the  latter  was  restrained 
by  respectful  awe  from  approaching  the  man  of  God. 

He  waited  patiently  till  the  latter  raised  his  bearded 
face  and  greeted  him  with  friendly  dignity. 

Then  they  gazed  together  at  the  oasis  and  the 
desolate  stony  valleys  of  the  mountain  region  at  their 
feet.  The  emerald  waters  of  a  small  portion  of  the 
Red  Sea,  which  washed  the  western  slope  of  the 
mountain,  also  glittered  beneath  them. 

Meanwhile  they  talked  of  the  people  and  the 
greatness  and  omnipotence  of  the  God  who  had  so 
wonderfully  guided  them,  and  as  they  looked  north- 
ward, they  beheld  the  endlessly  long  stream  of 
Hebrews,  which,  following  the  curves  of  the  rocky 
valley,  was  surging  slowly  toward  the  oasis. 

Then  Joshua  opened  his  heart  to  the  man  of  God 
and  told  him  the  questions  he  had  asked  himself  during 
the  past  sleepless  night,  and  to  which  he  had  found  no 
answer.  The  latter  listened  quietly,  and  in  deep, 
faltering  tones  answered  in  broken  sentences  : 

"  The  lawlessness  in  the  camp  —  ay,  it  is  ruining 
the  people  !  But  the  Lord  placed  the  power  to  destroy 
it  in  our  hands.  Woe  betide  him  who  resists.  They 
must  feel  this  power,  which  is  as  sublime  as  yonder 
mountain,  as  immovable  as  its  solid  rock." 

Then  Moses' wrathful  words  ceased. 

After  both  had  gazed  silently  into  vacancy  a  long 
time,  Joshua  broke  the  silence  by  asking : 

"  And  what  is  the  name  of  this  power  ?" 

Loudly  and  firmly  from  the  bearded  lips  of  the 
man  of  God  rang  the  words : 


JOSHUA.  369 

"  THE  LAW  !" 

He  pointed  with  his  staff  to  the  summit  of  the 
mountain. 

Then,  waving  his  hand  to  his  companion,  he  left 
him.  Joshua  completed  his  search  for  the  foe  and  saw 
on  the  yellow  sands  of  the  valley  dark  figures  moving 
to  and  fro. 

They  were  the  remnants  of  the  defeated  Amalekite 
bands  seeking  new  abodes. 

He  watched  them  a  short  time  and,  after  convin- 
cing himself  that  they  were  quitting  the  oasis,  he 
thoughtfully  returned  to  the  valley. 

"  The  law  !"  he  repeated  again  and  again. 

Ay,  that  was  what  the  wandering  tribes  lacked.  It 
was  doubtless  reserved  for  its  severity  to  transform  the 
hordes  which  had  escaped  bondage  into  a  people 
worthy  of  the  God  who  preferred  them  above  the  other 
nations  of  the  earth. 

Here  the  chief's  reflections  were  interrupted ;  for 
human  voices,  the  lowing  and  bleating  of  herds,  the 
barking  of  dogs,  and  the  heavy  blows  of  hammers  rose 
to  his  ears  from  the  oasis. 

They  were  pitching  the  tents,  a  work  of  peace,  for 
which  no  one  needed  him. 

Lying  down  in  the  shadow  of  a  thick  tamarisk 
bush,  above  which  a  tall  palm  towered  proudly,  he 
stretched  his  limbs  comfortably  to  rest  in  the  assurance 
that  the  people  were  now  provided  for,  in  war  by  his 
good  sword,  in  peace  by  the  Law.  This  was  much,  it 
renewed  his  hopes ;  yet,  no,  no  —  it  was  not  all, 
could  not  be  the  final  goal.  The  longer  he  reflected, 
the  more  profoundly  he  felt  that  this  was  not  enough  to 
satisfy  him  concerning  those  below,  whom  he  cherished 


37°  JOSHUA. 

in  his  heart  as  if  they  were  brothers  and  sisters.  His 
broad  brow  again  clouded,  and  roused  from  his  repose 
by  fresh  doubts,  he  gently  shook  his  head. 

No,  again  no  !  The  Law  could  not  afford  to  those 
who  were  so  dear  to  him  everything  that  he  desired  for 
them.  Something  else  was  needed  to  make  their  future 
as  dignified  and  beautiful  as  he  had  beheld  it  before  his 
mind's  eye  on  his  journey  to  the  mines. 

But  what  was  it,  what  name  did  this  other  need 
bear? 

He  began  to  rack  his  brain  to  discover  it,  and  while, 
with  closed  lids,  he  permitted  his  thoughts  to  rove  to 
the  other  nations  whom  he  had  known  in  war  and 
peace,  in  order  to  seek  among  them  the  one  thing  his 
own  people  lacked,  sleep  overpowered  him  and  a  dream 
showed  him  Miriam  and  a  lovely  girl,  who  looked  like 
Kasana  as  she  had  so  often  rushed  to  meet  him  when 
a  sweet,  innocent  child,  followed  by  the  white  lamb 
which  Nun  had  given  to  his  favorite  many  years 
before. 

Both  figures  offered  him  a  gift  and  asked  him  to 
choose  one  or  the  other. 

Miriam's  hand  held  a  heavy  gold  tablet,  at  whose 
top  was  written  in  flaming  letters  :  "  The  Law  !"  and 
which  she  offered  with  stern  severity.  The  child  ex- 
tended one  of  the  beautifully-curved  palm-leaves  which 
he  had  often  waved  as  a  messenger  of  peace. 

The  sight  of  the  tablet  filled  him  with  pious  awe, 
the  palm-branch  waved  a  friendly  greeting  and  he 
quickly  grasped  it.  But  scarcely  was  it  in  his  hand  ere 
the  figure  of  the  prophetess  melted  into  the  air  like 
mist,  which  the  morning  breeze  blows  away.  In  pain- 
ful astonishment  he  now  gazed  at  the  spot  where  she 


JOSHUA.  371 

had  stood,  and  surprised  and  troubled  by  his  strange 
choice,  though  he  felt  that  he  had  made  the  right 
one,  he  asked  the  child  what  her  gift  imported  to  him 
and  to  the  people. 

She  waved  her  hand  to  him,  pointed  into  the  dis- 
tance, and  uttered  three  words  whose  gentle  musical 
sound  sank  deep  into  his  heart.  Yet  hard  as  he  strove 
to  catch  their  purport,  he  did  not  succeed,  and  when 
he  asked  the  child  to  explain  them  the  sound  of  his 
own  voice  roused  him  and  he  returned  to  the  camp, 
disappointed  and  thoughtful. 

Afterwards  he  often  tried  to  remember  these  words, 
but  always  in  vain.  All  his  great  powers,  both  mental 
and  physical,  he  continued  to  devote  to  the  people;  but 
his  nephew  Ephraim,  as  a  powerful  prince  of  his  tribe, 
who  well  deserved  the  high  honors  he  enjoyed  in  after 
years,  founded  a  home  of  his  own,  where  old  Nun 
watched  the  growth  of  great-grand-children,  who  prom- 
ised a  long  perpetuation  of  his  noble  race. 

Everyone  is  familiar  with  Joshua's  later  life,  so  rich 
in  action,  and  how  he  won  in  battle  a  new  home  for 
his  people. 

There  in  the  Promised  Land  many  centuries  later 
was  born,  in  Bethlehem,  another  Jehoshua  who  be- 
stowed on  all  mankind  what  the  son  of  Nun  had  vainly 
sought  for  the  Hebrew  nation. 

The  three  words  uttered  by  the  child's  lips  which 
the  chief  had  been  unable  to  comprehend  were  : 

"  Love,  Mercy,  Redemption  !" 

END. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY,  LOS  ANGELES 

COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Book  Slip-23m-7,'61(Cl437s4)4280 


LIBRARY 
BMIVBRSITY  OF  CAL1 


UCLA-College  Library 

PT 1851  E16J8E  1889 


L  005  683  543  2 


College 
Library 


PT 


1889 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A    001  216494    3 


